Module 4: The One and Only Ivan

Book Summary:

The One and Only Ivan is the story of an unexpected friendship between a gorilla, an elephant, and a dog who live in a mall circus. Ivan, the gorilla and Stella, the elephant live in glass “domains” next to each other. Bob, the stray dog sleeps in Ivan’s domain. For twenty-seven years Ivan has lived in his enclosure with a television and his painting to entertain him. One day things changed when Ruby, a baby elephant arrives from the wild. Ivan begins to see life and his art differently with the help of Ruby. Stella takes care of Ruby and they soon have a strong bond. When Stella becomes ill, Ivan makes a promise to always care for Ruby. He isn’t sure how he will accomplish this until he decides to use some art supplies the janitor’s daughter has brought him to communicate a message of help. Before long people begin to take notice of the conditions of the circus and people from the zoo begin to visit. Read and find out how friendship and hope can change the lives of these animals.  

APA Reference of Book:

Applegate, K. (2012). The one and only Ivan. New York: HarperCollins Children’s Books.

Impressions:

The story about Ivan and the mall zoo is a touching story about the lives of animals in captive. Inspired by a true story, this was an easy but enjoyable reading experience. The voice of Ivan is perfect from the very start. It’s written simply but it completely engaging. As Ivan describes his enclosure and everything he sees, it is easy to visualize where he lives and what he sees. The wonderfully written first person narrative makes the reader feel quite deeply for the welfare of all the characters. Somehow these animals seem so real and the reader will find themselves caring about what happens to them. I experienced sadness, relief, and happiness. This was a great story that will be the type of Newbery Award book that will stand the test of time. This story will appeal to readers everywhere for years to come.

Professional Review:

KIRKUS REVIEW

How Ivan confronts his harrowing past yet stays true to his nature exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage.

Living in a "domain" of glass, metal and cement at the Big Top Mall, Ivan sometimes forgets whether to act like a gorilla or a human—except Ivan does not think much of humans. He describes their behavior as frantic, whereas he is a peaceful artist. Fittingly, Ivan narrates his tale in short, image-rich sentences and acute, sometimes humorous, observations that are all the more heartbreaking for their simple delivery. His sorrow is palpable, but he stoically endures the cruelty of humans until Ruby the baby elephant is abused. In a pivotal scene, Ivan finally admits his domain is a cage, and rather than let Ruby live and die in grim circumstances, he promises to save her. In order to express his plea in a painting, Ivan must bravely face buried memories of the lush jungle, his family and their brutal murder, which is recounted in a brief, powerful chapter sure to arouse readers’ passions. In a compelling ending, the more challenging question Applegate poses is whether or not Ivan will remember what it was like to be a gorilla. Spot art captures poignant moments throughout.

Utterly believable, this bittersweet story, complete with an author’s note identifying the real Ivan, will inspire a new generation of advocates. (author’s note) (Fiction. 8-12)

Kirkus  Reviews (2011, September 28). [Review of The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate]. Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/katherine-applegate/one-and-only-ivan/   

Library Uses:

The One and Only Ivan can be used as a read aloud to students in advance of learning how to utilize the library resources to conduct research. After reading about Ivan, students can learn how to use the available databases in the library to learn more about the real Ivan. Learning how to use the library resources in a uniform way will then help students know how to use them for any other topic in the future.