The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan

By Katherine Applegate

Applegate, Katherine, and Patricia Castelao. The one and only Ivan. Performed by Adam Grupper. New York: Harper, 2012.


Ivan is a gorilla that lives alone in a mall.  His only friends are the other animals at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, Stella the elephant and Bob the stray dog.  Ivan dreams of art and loves to watch TV.  When a baby elephant Ruby arrives, she brings change. Ivan sees his art in a different way and decides to help Ruby who was taken from her family. 


This story is based on a real event of a gorilla that lived alone for 28 years. Katherine Applegate weaves a beautiful tale together of friendship, heartbreak, and freedom. Adam Grupper's performance is outstanding.  He brings Ivan to life.  Each voice he gives the different characters takes the reader further into the story.  Between Applegate’s words on the page and Grupper’s interpretation of each character, Ivan’s story of survival touches the heart.

 

"How Ivan confronts his harrowing past yet stays true to his nature exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage.” -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“The characters will capture readers’ hearts and never let go.  A must-have.” -- School Library Journal, starred review

 Awards and Honors:

·         School Library Journal Best of Children's Books 2012

·         Kirkus Reviews Best of Children's Books 2012

·         Amazon 2012 Best Books of the Year, Middle Grade

·         Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2012

·         New York Public Library 100 Books for Reading and Sharing, 2012

·         Cybils shortlist, 2012 middle grade fantasy (Children’s and Young Adult Bloggers’ Literary Awards)

·         2012 Nerdies Book Award, middle grade fiction

·         Newbery Medal Winner 2013