The One and Only Ivan is a heartwarming story about friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice. After spending 27 years in captivity at a Georgia shopping mall, gorilla Ivan has grown accustomed to his life inside the human-made world. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant who has been separated from her family, Ivan realizes that it’s time for him to find his way back home. With the help of some new friendsāincluding an aging hippo named Bob and a savvy crow named StellaāIvan sets out on an unforgettable journey to save Ruby and reclaim his old life.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for children who are interested in animals and friendships.
Pros :
- The novel has a great message about friendship and loyalty.
- The characters are very likable and easy to root for.
- The story is exciting and well-paced.
Cons :
- The story is a bit sad in the beginning
- It’s quite long, so it might not be suitable for very young children
- Some of the characters are a bit too cute
Learn more about the author
Katherine Applegate is the author of several award-winning books for young readers, including The One and Only Ivan, The Cecilia Project, Home of the Brave, and Animorphs #1: The Invasion. She lives in Southern California with her husband and two children.
Reader Reviews
“The One and Only Ivan is an incredibly powerful story about the transformative effects of friendship. Katherine Applegate has created a cast of characters that are realistic, loveable, and memorable.”
“This beautiful book is written from the point of view of Ivan, an aging gorilla who has spent 27 years living in a shopping mall. Forced to move on when a baby elephant joins his family there, Ivan sets out into the real world for the first time and experiences rain, snow, love, loss and everything in between. The One and Only Ivan is endearing tale about friendship and personal growth that will stay with you long after you finish reading.”
“This is an excellent book for readers of all ages. The characters are incredibly likable and the story itself is intriguing and suspenseful.”
“The One and Only Ivan is a rare gem of a bookāone that manages to be heartbreaking, hopeful, and funny all at the same time. You’ll laugh with Stella the Crow, cry alongside Ivan the Gorilla, and cheer for everyone as they make their way toward freedom.”
