Applegate, K (2012). The One and Only Ivan. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
Summary: This work of fiction takes inspiration from a real life captive gorilla named Ivan. The story is told from his perspective of what it was like to leave the jungle and his family 27 years before to live on display at a shopping mall for passersby. His friends at the mall are an older elephant, a tiny dog, and the artistic daughter of the mall custodian . One day, a baby elephant named Ruby is brought under similar circumstances as Ivan, making him realize that their living situation is unacceptable. After making a promise to help his friend, Ivan uses his artist talents to save little Ruby, and ultimately, himself.
Reading Level:
- Quantitative: Lexile 570
- Qualitative: Grade 4 / Medium-High. This novel is slighly to moderately complex. At 336 pages, there are limited illustrations, primarily in black and white. The layers of meaning with themes of man vs nature, survival, and friendship. The story structure are simple and exhibit occasional use of flashback, like when Ivan recalled his youth in the wild. There is a lot of figurative language - the animals are personified - they speak, and express a range of emotions like people. There are many metaphors and similes, such as Ivan's constant comparisons of chimps and humans, but not in a good way! Language vocabulary and sentence structure are easy to follow, and the supporting illustrations are simple, but not sufficient to support the text. The knowledge demands explore multiple themes uncommon to readers of this age such as animal welfare, humanity, and friendship.
- Content Area: English, Science
Common Core State Standards / ELA
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.1,2,3,4,5,6,9,10
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RF.4.4,4a,4c
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.4,8,9,9a
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.3,3a,5
Next Generation Science Standards
4-LS1-2
Curriculum Suggestions:
- Learn about captive vs wild animals
- Research scientists who helped shape our perception of nature (Goodall, Darwin, etc)
- Learn the evolutionary family tree
Related Links:Awards:
- 2012 CA Book Award
- 2012 Amazon Best Book of the Year, Middle Grade
- 2013 Newberry Award Medal
Tags: animals, fiction, friendship, contemporary, elementary, middle school