Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
One and Only Ivan
One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
341 posts | 416 read | 6 reading | 99 to read
Winner of the Newbery Medal and a #1 New York Times bestseller!This unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendship. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated book is told from the point of view of Ivan himself. This paperback edition includes an author's note highlighting the differences between the fictional story and true events, a version of the author's Newbery Medal acceptance speech, Ivan's "signature," discussion questions, and more.Having spent twenty-seven years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes.In the tradition of timeless stories like Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little, Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create an unforgettable story of friendship, art, and hope.The One and Only Ivan features first-person narrative; author's use of literary devices (personification, imagery); and story elements (plot, character development, perspective).
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
quote
mfarragher
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate

"Sometimes, I want to tear the walls down and run free."

blurb
mfarragher
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate

This is a great choice for sparking discussions about empathy and the importance of freedom in the classroom. Its engaging narrative encourages students to explore themes of friendship and resilience through meaningful activities and reflections.

review
mfarragher
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
Pickpick

"The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate tells the touching story of Ivan, a silverback gorilla living in a mall. Through his eyes, we see the importance of friendship and the longing for freedom. Applegate's simple yet powerful writing makes Ivan‘s journey both heartwarming and thought-provoking. It's a beautiful reminder of compassion and hope.

quote
mh930121
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate

“Humans waste words. They toss them like banana peels and leave them to rot.”

blurb
mh930121
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate

The lesson is that true friendship means standing up for others, even when it's difficult. It also teaches that anyone can make a difference, no matter their circumstances.

review
mh930121
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
Pickpick

This is a story about a gorilla named Ivan who lives in a mall. Told from Ivan's perspective, the book explores his friendships with other animals and his hope for freedom. When a baby elephant named Ruby arrives, Ivan finds the courage to help her.

quote
JuliaTheBookNerd
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image

#Homework ✏️📚😞

#SchoolSpirit 🏫🎒🔔🚌👩‍🏫🍎✏️📓📚

#BookNerd 🤓💙📚

Eggs Great quote 👏🏻👏🏻 2mo
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks So pretty 😍 2mo
39 likes1 stack add2 comments
review
michellelav
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image
Pickpick

I read this book to my grade 4 class and they LOVED it ❤️ We laughed together, cried together and rooted the characters on together ❤️ What an amazing book for life lessons 😭❤️

Suet624 I really liked this one. What a great book for those 4th graders 4mo
michellelav @Suet624 they absolutely LOVED it! 4mo
52 likes2 comments
review
Sarahreadstoomuch
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image
Pickpick

Finished my other audio, but wanted to keep on jigsaw puzzling so I grabbed this from Libby real quick. I had always wanted to read it, and oh my heart! What a wonderful story!! I need to look into the sequel/companion book now I think ❤️

27 likes2 stack adds
blurb
Gissy
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image

#SpingSkies Day 3 #AnimalPOV

Beautiful book♥️Read August 2020

@Eggs @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Eggs Agree 🙌🏻🙌🏻 7mo
35 likes1 comment
blurb
DHill
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image

I can‘t believe I‘d never read this. And yes, yes I am crying.

blurb
Mccall0113
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image

Cute read.

Fr3NcHtOaSt Did you watch the movie? I really liked it. 11mo
Mccall0113 @Fr3NcHtOaSt no! I‘ve never heard of Ivan. I picked this book on a whim. 11mo
Fr3NcHtOaSt @Mccall0113 it‘s on Disney plus if you wanna check it out 11mo
43 likes1 stack add3 comments
blurb
fredamans
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image
Eggs Love Ivan🦍 1y
34 likes1 comment
blurb
hannah-leeloo
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image

53 likes1 stack add
review
Cinfhen
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image
Pickpick

Awwww, this was such a sweet book🫶🏼 Inspired by a true story! The friendship between a young girl, a dog, a silverback gorilla and a baby elephant. My choice for #52Books23 #NewberryWinner EXCELLENT audio narration 🎧♥️🥇I‘m definitely reading the next book….#ReturnOfSappyCindy

squirrelbrain Aw, sounds very cute! ❤️ 2y
Smarkies I love this one. ❤️ 2y
See All 24 Comments
Librarybelle Yay! ❤️❤️❤️ 2y
Gissy Beautiful story❤️ 2y
Cinfhen It REALLY was @Gissy - it‘s wonderful @Librarybelle 2y
KarenUK Your hashtags always make me smile 😊! Middle grade is always a nice change of pace…. 💕 2y
Cinfhen Thanks @KarenUK xxxx 2y
BarbaraBB Another #sappyCin! Good for you 💕 2y
Cinfhen Yup @BarbaraBB as I‘m really just putting off getting back to 2y
BarbaraBB Lol I understand 💯 2y
Megabooks 💜 #sappyCindy! I started Women this morning, but I‘m also finishing this short story collection @BarbaraBB 2y
BarbaraBB @Megabooks Another Wilson! Are his short stories as bizarre as his novels? 2y
Megabooks @BarbaraBB yes! Most of these were written around the time he was in college, and they are so impressive for that age or really any one but they have a youthful perspective. (Plus he and I are roughly the same age and grew up in the same region so I find them nostalgic as well.) now I‘ve read all his books, which is a bit sad because of the wait for a new one! I preferred this to his newer collection. 2y
Cinfhen Wilson definitely has a unique writing style!! I read this collection but it was just too odd for me @BarbaraBB plus I‘m not a fan of short stories- but there‘s no denying his talent @Megabooks 2y
Cinfhen I‘ll be watching for your review of #FlyingWomen @Megabooks 😉I think @BarbaraBB will be curious too😅 2y
BarbaraBB I am and I have a hunch 😂 @Megabooks (edited) 2y
BarbaraBB @Megabooks I still have Panic on my shelves. Looking forward to that one too! 2y
Cinfhen The struggle is real @BarbaraBB 2y
Cinfhen I really liked Panic @BarbaraBB @Megabooks it wasn‘t as 🍌👖as some of his other stories 2y
Megabooks @Cinfhen @BarbaraBB at 15% I think I‘m going to #allhailthebail on Women. The music therapy has given me an awful headache when I look at screens (squinting my eyes just to write this), and I wasn‘t enjoying it enough for how troublesome it is. Tbqh the whole plot was silly and far-fetched. The blurb sounded good but the execution is waaaayyy sub par. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y
BarbaraBB @Megabooks You are so right about bailing, the books is ridiculous and silly indeed. Take some rest after the music therapy ❤️ 2y
Cinfhen I was going to email both of you @Megabooks @BarbaraBB but I‘ve gotten hooked on a Netflix series and it‘s CONSUMING me - anyhow Flying is SO BAD!!! I‘m on page 152 and I just can‘t go on!!! I will, but yikes 😳 don‘t feel bad at all, Meg. Hope the MT starts to work it‘s magic 🪄 2y
90 likes1 stack add24 comments
review
gclift
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
Pickpick

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate published in 2020. This is a fantastic book about a gorilla named Ivan who tries to figure out his past with an elephant named Stella. A great read aloud for older students! This book has won the John Newbery Award. Great read!

review
Hannahhh7
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
Pickpick

The One and Only Ivan is children‘s fiction novel written by Katherine Applegate. It was published in 2012 and is inspired by a true story. It is about a gorilla named Ivan who has spent 27 years being held captive in a shopping mall. He then meets an elephant named Ruby, a baby who has been taken away from her family. Ivan and his friends try to make a change for the better. It has won many awards including the Newbery Award.

review
Jhill24
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
Pickpick

Such a good read! It is very different and is hard to put down. It is very intense in a way that makes you really think deeper. Readers are immersed in the POV of Ivan the gorilla

blurb
Jhill24
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate

This book is so interesting! It really draws you in as a reader. There are sections throughout that give a overarching category or subject of the pages. For example, names People call me the Freeway Gorilla.

quote
Jhill24
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate

hello I am Ivan.

review
mjtwo
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image
Pickpick

21 Sep-3 Oct 22 (audiobook)
Ivan and Stella have spent most of the past three decades in what is described as a mall zoo. I did not know there were such horrific places. Looking to a day when animals are recognised as having rights to comfortable shelter and compassionate treatment and private zoos or ownership of exotic animals is illegal.
A well told story which hopefully starts children thinking about such issues.

blurb
bookandbedandtea
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image

This book touched my heart. #Alphabetgame @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks 💙💙💙 2y
Itchyfeetreader Oh I loved this and gift it quite regularly 2y
19 likes2 comments
review
Smartypants
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image
Pickpick

As an adult, sometimes we really need to escape to a world without responsibilities etc…reading #childrenslit really helps me escape to a simpler and less stressful time in life. What better way to escape than with animals?!

curiouserandcurioser @Smartypants love this book❤ have you reaf the one and only bob by her? 2y
Smartypants @curiouserandcurioser I haven‘t but I‘ll add that to the TBR, I really liked this book and it truly took me away from adulting for a few hours! 2y
curiouserandcurioser @Smartypants i agree! I love her stories:) i also have Crenshaw by her which i love and Ending the Last, which i havent read yet:) 2y
Smartypants @curiouserandcuriouser I will add those to the list too! Thank you! 2y
23 likes4 comments
review
sabrinaaluvssreadingg
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
Pickpick

I finished this book months ago. Liked the ending. 4 stars.

review
Nik_reads
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image
Pickpick

Loved the way this book was written. Definitely made me think more about animals living in captivity. It was a quick read as well.

review
Eorrlopez
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
This post contains spoilers
show me
Pickpick

I read this book to my class and it was really wonderful. They loved it and so did I. Please be warned if you are going to read this to a class, there is a really sad part that had me sobbing in front of children. Overall it is wonderful and even the sad part is very meaningful and lead to a great discussion.

quote
DebbieGrillo
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image

"They think I'm too old to cause trouble. Old age is a powerful disguise."

61 likes2 stack adds
blurb
Susanita
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image

Third book completed for #DashingDecember and it‘s very poignant.

Tomorrow I will try to get caught up with my reading journal entries.

mandarchy This books is so special to me. I tell my students when I booktalk this book that I grew up with Ivan because he was a real gorilla in Tacoma where I grew up. His story is tragic but gives light to how humans have grown more empathic through our children toward other species. #kindnessmatters 3y
Andrew65 Brilliant 👏👏👏 3y
Susanita @mandarchy ❤️❤️🦍🐘 3y
40 likes3 comments
blurb
IMASLOWREADER
One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image

roller coaster of emotions #audiophile #readinggoals

review
JennF13
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
Pickpick

Such a nice book!

review
CogsOfEncouragement
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image
Pickpick

I had a long list of chores and a couple errands yesterday. This was a book I never seemed to get around to. I listened to the audio book via Libby. It is just four hours. Sweet story.

quote
TheSpineView
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image

#QuotsyMay21 @TK-421
Prompt: Homework

sisilia Hahahaha I like this quote. It‘s 100% accurate! 4y
Moonprismpower I kind of miss homework. But only a minuscule amount. Teensy weensy. Like grain of sand small. But still. 4y
TheSpineView @Moonprismpower I miss have almost no responsibility when I went to school 4y
51 likes4 comments
review
Jody3
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image
Pickpick

This book is a masterpiece. Timeless. Children and adults will be reading this book for a long time.

review
melodyp
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image
Pickpick

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
is a RF-LC/AS/IR novel based on true events about a gorilla named Ivan that learned how to paint while in a mall circus. When Ivan meets Ruby, a baby elephant that was taken from her family and put in the circus, Ivan is motivated to make a change in their circumstances. A beautiful book about friendship, art and hope!
This novel won a Newbery medal. #UCFLAE3414SP21

melodyp UDL 7.2 (optimize relevance, value and authenticity) and EL 6 (continually monitor students comprehension) are great strategies to use. The website has great resources and activities https://thesuperheroteacher.com/2019/12/using-hands-on-activities-and-resources-... - teachers can also choose to have a movie day where the class gets to watch the move adaptation on Disney+ 4y
PatriciaS I thought this was a good book 📖 for a book 📖 club activities, chapter book is great for questions and answers sessions too. 4y
DrSpalding Late 4y
DrSpalding What an excellent post. The movie adaptation is a great option for viewing on a fun Friday. Read write think has a wonderful resource related to comparing books and movies. 4y
6 likes4 comments
review
AndreaEfres
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image
Pickpick

4.6/5

AndreaEfres 🐵One of my favorites!
Let me introduce you to Katherine Applegate, the author of this John Newbery Medal gold medalist has definitely earned that title by being a quality read in the classroom for grades 5th-6th that inspires students to think deeply about friendship.

Follow up in the comments to read the rest...
4y
AndreaEfres ELA.4.R.3 Reading Across Genres explains how figurative language contributes to meaning in the text(s). With this text, students are increasingly aware of prompts and how they changed every day. This is a strategy that would be amazing in a classroom introduction at the beginning of the day.
UDL (3) Comprehension with highlight patterns, critical features, big ideas, and relationships. With one prompt every day, we can connect to the big ideas.
4y
AndreaEfres #UCFLAE3414SP21
Check out more information about this book on this resource.

http://www.theoneandonlyivan.com/

Thank you for reading,

Ms. Efres 🐰
4y
DrSpalding Your resource is stellar and your passion for the book came through in your short summary. I do believe that friendship is a key theme in this book and could be taught well through read aloud or possibly book clubs. Remember that you need to identify the teaching strategy you would use with your selected books. All of the information required is in the rubric and on the log. 4y
10 likes4 comments
review
PatriciaS
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image
Pickpick

This MF, BC, novel, Newbury Award winning chapter book is a great beginning novel read for a book club. An inspired by a true haunting story, told from Ivan's point of view. A silverback gorilla confined for 27 yrs. in a small concrete metal and glass enclosure.
https://katherineapplegate.com
UDL#9.2 use self regulation to facilitate personal coping skills and strategies.
ESOL#11 helps students place language in meaningful content.
#UCFLAE3414SP21

PatriciaS https://the superheroteacher.com> using hands on activities and resources. 4y
DrSpalding Book clubs with Newbery award winners are a wise choice. Because this movie was turned into a major motion picture, children will have some prior knowledge. 4y
11 likes2 comments
blurb
ToddSalerno
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image

“The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate

Newbery Award

With the movie adaptation of this award winning book, students are sure to find the themes of friendship and loneliness particularly resonant. Given the world we have experienced this past year, that message along with the world of animal captivity might resonate with younger audiences even more.

RF. LC/IR. #ucflae3414sp21

ToddSalerno This text is geared towards fourth through sixth grade audiences and consequently has themes that can be further explored and discussed in depth. Small group discussion can utilize these conversation points.(ESOL 10- teach think, pair, and share strategies and cooperative groups.)(UDL 8.3- Foster collaboration and community.)

https://media.btsb.com/TitleLessonPlans/597.pdf
4y
DrSpalding Oh I love this book and you will have an opportunity to chat for a few minutes about how powerful this book could be in your classroom. I agree that this theme of animal captivity could definitely connect to our younger generation. The fact that it was recently turned into a major motion picture will also entice some students to read this book. The book is always better but this movie was pretty darn good.🦍 4y
6 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
KellyR
One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image

Ivan, a gorilla spent 27 years of his life held captive in the mall, where everyone can send him.But things change when he is meets Ruby, an elephant who is taken from the wild.

DrSpalding Follow the rubric and log instructions! 4y
KellyR Genre: Fiction
Award: John Newberry
LT: Literature Circle
https://stemread.com/book/the-one-and-only-ivan-by-katherine-applegate/
UDL: 3.3 Guide information processing and visualization
EL: 46. Use discovery learning activities
#UCFLAE3414SP21
(edited) 4y
3 likes2 comments
review
neanderc
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image
Pickpick

This RF, LC Newberry award winner book is perfect for young readers who love animals and are wondering what animals might be thinking. A gorilla named Ivan lives in a shopping mall and loves to people watch. He is joined by a baby elephant named Ruby. Their friendship brings a change for the better. #ucflae3414sp21

neanderc This book would be perfect for an LC. The workbook linked below will help your readers organize and separate the key principles of each other characters they will meet!

https://thesuperheroteacher.com/2019/12/using-hands-on-activities-and-resources-...

The UDL Principle 6.3 regarding facilitation of managing information and resources and EL 2 are met through the use of this workbook in an LC!
4y
DrSpalding Oops! This is not realistic fiction. Go back and look at your genre guide. Just looking at the front cover, gives you clues related to what the correct genre is. What do you think it is now? 4y
5 likes2 comments
review
lanievw
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
Pickpick

I loved this book! I loved the way that it was written and the layout of the chapters. By the end, I really had all of the feelings for these characters. That is what makes such a great book.

review
Simplykellyk
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image
Pickpick

Sweet sweet read. ❤️ recommended by our librarian. It had been on my to-read anyway. So I did it. I don‘t regret it. Ivan the mighty silver back gorilla dreams of being with those like him. He sets aim to help himself and ruby escape from their cages. This shows that sometimes the best intentions aren‘t always the right intentions. I love it. 10/10 recommend.

blurb
COMICS XD
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image

The One and Only Ivan is a children's novel written by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by Patricia Castelao. The book is about a silverback gorilla named Ivan who lived in a cage at a mall. The novel is written in first person from the point of view of Ivan, a gorilla. And its so sad that its makes me cry 😭

2 likes1 stack add
review
MaggieCarr
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
Pickpick

Read Harder Challenge 2021: A book that intimates you.

I have put off reading this book for years, I just struggle reading animal storylines. But after nearly a year of begging, I agreed to read it with my third grade daughter. Very good book but still gave me all the emojis as I grappled how anyone can keep animals captive for money making reasons. Now, to watch the movie or not.... that is the question???

blurb
MaggieCarr
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image

📚First family read of 2021🦍🐘... I've been putting it off for years (sorry Katherine & Michael). I struggle with animal storylines even if I kept the author's husband from consuming a drink with a fly in it during dinner. 😂

review
amber_ldsmom
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image
Mehso-so

3/3 🌟
I found this one to be mostly depressing, but there were a few nice moments.
#NewberyEpicChallenge

Roary47 I know what you mean. The movie is much brighter. 😊💛 4y
52 likes1 comment
blurb
megbmore
The One and Only Ivan | Katherine Applegate
post image

Next up for #jólabókaflóð : reading this gem aloud to my daughter. My son and I listened to this on audio. I'm hoping I can make it through the read-aloud without sobbing.