Title: The One and Only Ivan
Author: Katherine Applegate
Date/year published: 2012
Genre: Fiction, Contemporary, Middle-Grade
Format: Audio, borrowed through Libby App and listened to on my Ipad.
Why did I choose to read it: A Newbery Award winner, the synopsis sounded fun and I was looking for something light to listen to while I worked around the house. After reading it I learned it had been made into a live-action movie in 2020. I might have to see about streaming the movie just to compare the two.
Synopsis:
Ivan, a gorilla who has spent twenty-seven years in a cage, learns to see his situation through the eyes of a newcomer, Ruby, a baby elephant. Their friendship blooms and Ivan begins to realize there is more to life than his television and his art. When Ivan makes a promise to Stella, an older elephant, to look after Ruby he begins to focus on creating a better life for both of them. Based on a true story.
Thoughts:
I’m not sure how much of the true story this tale is based on, and though intended for middle-grade readers, The One and Only Ivan covers some difficult subjects – animal welfare/cruelty, grief, habitat destruction. But it also contains a lot of information about gorillas and elephants, as well as a message of friendship and hope.
Despite the parts that could be depressing, this is a cheerful book. It was joyful to listen to and well narrated. Ivan’s personification was exactly what one would imagine a loveable gorilla’s personality would be. The personalities of the different animals and the few humans are all distinct and well rounded too. Each character, animal and human, is complex and is searching for their own answers.
I also enjoyed how the animals interacted through the cages, the way the dog was able to come and go through the slats, and Ivan’s relationship with the little girl. Flashbacks of Ivan’s life were also interesting – he started out as a small creature going for car rides and ice cream and as he grew larger his relationship with his caretaker changed.. Since the story was told from the animals’ point of view, their treatment was not ideal, but they were fed and comfortable. They wanted to be free but they didn’t violently hate the humans; it was an interesting conflict for many of them and told in an age appropriate manner.
Would I re-read or recommend it?
Re-read? If I was reading it with a youngster in my life, sure, why not? Otherwise, probably not.
Recommend? Yes, especially to a middle grade student who loves animals. And really, at that age, who doesn’t love talking animals?
lisatrefsger.com 