The One and Only Ivan
by: Katherine Applegate
Should you read it?: Yes
Category: Middle Grade
I read this for a Young Adult and Children's Literature class for my
Masters program. The One and Only Ivan was the 2013
Newberry Medal Winner. The Medal is given each year to the American
Library Association's choice for the most distinguished American
children's book published that year. I loved this book! It's told from
the perspective of Ivan, who is a silver-backed gorilla living in a big
top mall. According to Amazon, it's recommended for ages 8-12, grades 3-7, but
I believe it was enjoyable for anybody older than that as well!
Things I liked
I loved that the story was told from Ivan's perspective. It was
just a really fun take on all of it.
I loved that it raises
some great issues and questions about the treatment of animals in
captivity. It would raise some great conversations with students if read
in a classroom or with your children at home. I definitely recommend
it!
Things I didn't
This isn't a wish as much as a warning. I
wouldn't read it to younger children just because some of the treatment
of the animals could be upsetting. There is an elephant who deals with
some pretty sad stuff.
Overall: This is such a wonderful story that would be enjoyed by any age!
Book 12 of 50
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