The One and Only Ivan
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The One and Only Ivan
Author: Katherine Applegate
Illustrator: Patricia Castelao
Awards: Newbery Medal
Level:
GRL: S
DRA: 40
Lexile: 570 L
AR Level: 3.6
AR Points: 4.0
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Heads Up:
Ivan and Ruby’s families were killed. Ivan recalls, “ Then they shot my father. They chopped off their hands, their feet, their heads” - only dark violence mentioned.
Animal neglect/mild cruelty
Character dies
Sass/Crass:
Language: 0
Sass Scale: 0
Synopsis:
Based on the true-story of Ivan, the real gorilla, who was captured in what is now the Dominican Republic of the Congo, Ivan traveled to Washington state to live in a home until he was too large and unruly. He became a passive, easy-going tourist attraction at a shopping mall for almost three decades, slowing forgetting his past and how to be a gorilla. Told from Ivan’s perspective, you see how normal Ivan thinks his mall-dwelling life is until a baby elephant named Ruby arrives and he begins to recollect memories of his past. Ivan has a goal, and it is to get his new friend Ruby out of her small cage, and away from the life he’d become used to.
Enjoy this incredible story that will engage your children in thoughtful, meaningful conversations. There are even discussion questions, a glossary, and other extras in the book!