The One and Only Ivan

Katherine Applegate's Newbery Medal-winning novel, "The One and Only Ivan," is a poignant and hopeful story told from the unique perspective of Ivan, a silverback gorilla living in a shopping mall exhibit. Inspired by a true story, the book explores themes of friendship, empathy, animal welfare, and the power of art. Ivan, along with his friends Stella the elephant and Bob the dog, leads a seemingly mundane life until the arrival of baby elephant Ruby forces him to confront the reality of their captivity. He makes a promise to Stella to find Ruby a better home, leading to a creative and courageous effort to secure their freedom. This book is an excellent choice for middle-grade readers (ages 10-14) to discuss animal rights, compassion, and the meaning of home.

Having spent 27 years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes.