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
