Monday, February 11, 2013

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is the 2013 Newbery winner.  I read it in just over two hours this morning.  It is a story told from the point of view of a gorilla named Ivan.  He lives in a cage in a mall, with an elephant friend Stella, and a small dog named Bob.  When a baby elephant, named Ruby is brought to the mall, Ivan makes a promise to Stella that he now must find a way to keep.  But how will he help Ruby to live with other elephants, so that she will not become a solitary elephant, the way he is the one and only Ivan?  Loosely based on true events in the life of Ivan, a real shopping mall gorilla, this book brought me to tears.  It would make a great read aloud for teachers and should be on all students' "must read" list.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate is a RICBA nominee of 2014. Ivan is a gorilla that used to live in the wild with his family. Now, he lives in a mall with other animals. There are some sad parts with his best friend Stella. Stella is an elephant. I loved the ending and I think you will too!

I liked the part when Ivan lives in a house with Mac and his wife. I liked this part because it is funny when a gorilla lives in a house. This book reminds me of animals I see locked in cages. Kids bother them by scaring the animals and hurting them. It also reminds me of when people play with animals. This is a great book I recommend it to animal lovers.

Reviewed by: #hashtag

4 comments:

  1. Moneyman : I like that you had added that Stella was a friend of Ivans instead of saying just Stella. I have read this book and i loved it. DO you have strong feelings on this book?

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  2. moneyman

    thank you! I do have strong feelings for this book. have you ever seen animals that were mistreated like punched for bad behavior?
    #hashtag

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  3. I have because that is how I got my dog. The person that had her before had mistreated her so my neighbor is a person who loves animals gave her to us and I loved her so much. She had died not to long and I am so sad still.
    From Moneyman

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  4. oh i am so sorry my dad punched his dog
    #hastag

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