This week, I received my library's copies of The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. The book received the 2013 Newbery Medal, and I had heard really good things about it, so I was excited to read it. I'll tell you a little secret: I don't always love Newbery winners. I'm very pleased to say that I felt this one was very deserving of the award.
The story is about Ivan, a silverback gorilla who has spent almost his entire life out of his natural habitat. He was born in the wild, but was later captured and raised like a human baby for several years. He was later placed in the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Arcade, which was his home for many years. The book is loosely based on a true story.
The story is told from Ivan's point of view, and includes his interactions with his fellow captive animals and the humans who come into their quarters. Ivan is very intelligent and loves art. He thinks humans use too many words. He takes note of subtle changes in his environment and decides to act when he feels he has no other choice. Ms. Applegate's character development is superb. I often judge books I read by how often I think about the characters once I'm finished reading, and I have to say I've thought about them often.
I won't give away too much information about the plot for those who haven't read it yet, but I definitely recommend the book. I finished it in less than two days. Some people have criticized the book because the ends are tied up with a neat little bow at the end, but considering the high quality of writing and the fact that it's a children's book, I thought it ended nicely. I can't wait to share it with my students.
Have you read The One and Only Ivan or the Romeo Riley books? Share your opinion of either (or both) in the comments! No spoilers, please!
The One and Only Ivan has been nominated for the Illinois Student Choice Awards, Bluestem. I taught this novel to my 3rd through 5th graders, who loved it! I can't keep the book on my shelf! I created a Prezi link for anyone who would like to use it. https://prezi.com/mrkaqmfxxtls/the-one-and-only-ivan/
Also, there is a picture book version for K-3 called, Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla.
I work with a local children's book store who arranges author visits. She will have authors visit schools in the morning and then do a book signing at the store in the afternoon. We were extremely fortunate to have Katherine Applegate visit last year, when Ivan was first published. We loved the book, and were so excited when it won the Newbery! I have three copies and can't keep it on my shelves!
I recently read and loved this book. We already had a copy on the shelves when the Newbery prizes were announced and I had several students recommend it to me to read...love when that happens!!