Module 4: The One and Only Ivan

The One and only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

 

Summary: Ivan, an artistic gorilla, tells the story of his life living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall.   Even though he seems not to mind living there at first, he begins to remember his past and realizes that maybe the mall is not the best place for him to live. When Ivan's elephant friend Stella dies, a new baby elephant arrives named Ruby.  Ivan becomes determined to make things change, so that Ruby does not have to live in the mall for years. This book is based on a true story of a gorilla named Ivan who lived in a mall for twenty-seven years. 


Apa Reference: Applegate, K., & Castelao, P. (2012). The one and only Ivan. New York, NY: Harper.

Impressions: Although the book is somewhat thick, the writing is in a unique verse like format, and there are lots of pictures which really add to the reading experience.  Both of these features will help make this book appealing, even to struggling readers.  At the beginning of the book, Ivan says that with enough time he can get used to anything.  This thought, along with the harsh glass enclosed conditions of Ivan's cage, and the author's note at the end of the book will lead to some interesting discussions about what it means to be humane to animals.  Ivan's ability to draw is also intriguing, and his final plot to help Ruby escape by using his artwork will keep readers guessing for several chapters. The author is so good at making Ivan life-like and endearing, the reader can't help but cheer for him throughout the book.   

Professional 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.  

 [Review of the book The one and only Ivan, by K. Applegate & P. Castelao]. (2011, October). Kirkus reviews, LXXIX, 320. Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/

Library Uses:  There is a lot of discussion that could go along with this book about the way humans treat animals, if animals can really think and converse with each other, if animals can understand humans, and if a gorilla could really learn to draw the way Ivan did.  It would be fun to pair this book with a visit from authorities at the local zoo.  You could have life-size cut outs of an adult gorilla for kids to compare their size against, an art project where kids could only use their fists, and serve some real gorilla snacks (like bananas). Also, there are some artworks which can be viewed online which were really made by elephants.  This would be an interesting tie-in to the book.