A Life-Changing Story About A Gorilla Named Ivan
Title: The One and Only Ivan Author: Katherine Applegate Illustrator: Patricial Castelao Copyright: 2012 Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers Guided Reading Level: S Genre: Fiction This Book Has Won: The Newbery Medal Summary: This life-changing novel written by Katherine Applegate is inspired by a true story, and readers really feel as if they are in the moment when they read the story also. The novel is about a kind-hearted ape named Ivan who was captured when he was really little. Ivan believes his life is not treating him fairly at all. He is not a fan of his owner Mack, and he hates being locked up in a cage. Ivan uses art to express himself, and soon meets an sweet elephant named Ruby. Ivan decides to protect and take care of her, and since apes are known to protect their family (with Ivan not having much family at all), he thinks this will help him see the better in his life. An adorable ten year old girl named Julia also plays a big role in Ivan...