Published by Harper
2012
Ages 8-12
Shelf: Middle Grade
Opening Line: "I am Ivan. I am a gorilla. It's not as easy as it looks."
Favorite Quotes: "
"Her pictures are like pieces of a dream."
"Old age is a powerful disguise."
"Memories are precious."
"I always tell the truth. Although I sometimes confuse the facts."
"I don't know why. I never know the why of humans."
"But many days I forget what I am supposed to be. Am I a human? Am I a gorilla?"
"It's an odd story to remember, I have to admit. My story has a strange shape: a stunted beginning, an endless middle."
"That's called artistic license."
Blurb: Based on a true story of a real gorilla named Ivan, Ivan is a gorilla who lives in a shopping mall. His circle of friends consists of: Bob, the dog, Stella and Ruby, the elephants, and Julia, the human. Ivan didn't always live in a shopping mall. He was captured by the bad humans, and lost his family. Ivan counts his days in captivity, and there are many. He lives in a stupor spending his days behind a glass. But when Ruby comes into his life something awakens inside Ivan. Will Ivan ever be free and live among his kin again?
Within its pages:
There are many teaching themes to tap into with this wondrous novel: Friendship, courage, determination, animals in captivity, perseverance, personification, and finding your inner strength. The author highlights the importance of keeping a promise, and how we can reach deeper than we sometimes think possible. For younger students, The One and Only Ivan would be an excellent read aloud. One that will surely evoke some deep, rich discussions around the various themes that emerge within the text.
The way the book is organized, with short paragraphs and chapters (sometimes just a couple of lines per page) is a great example that sometimes less is definitely more. Applegate is able to show how powerful just a couple of words can be. It's a great example to share with those kids intimidated by the empty page when they need to write.
Shelf it!
The way the book is organized, with short paragraphs and chapters (sometimes just a couple of lines per page) is a great example that sometimes less is definitely more. Applegate is able to show how powerful just a couple of words can be. It's a great example to share with those kids intimidated by the empty page when they need to write.
Shelf it!
Ivan is a fighter, and his friendships give him a sense of pride and purpose. In Ivan's mind, humans don't make sense....humans and their words, they just talk too much. This is a wonderfully remarkable and powerful story. An absolute must shelf! Applegate has a found a way to reach deep into your heart and soul with this deeply poignant and captivating story. It will tug at your heart strings, and you might even cry, we're just saying!
Just stop reading this blog already, and GO SHELF IT!!! :-)
The book's website has a wonderful book trailer that will surely have kids begging to read the book and will also provide more info. on the real Ivan.
FYI - A picture book about the true story of Ivan, the gorilla, is due to be released in early October by Katherine Applegate. Yay!
Just stop reading this blog already, and GO SHELF IT!!! :-)
The book's website has a wonderful book trailer that will surely have kids begging to read the book and will also provide more info. on the real Ivan.
FYI - A picture book about the true story of Ivan, the gorilla, is due to be released in early October by Katherine Applegate. Yay!
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