The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is about Ivan, a gorilla who has lived in captivity at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall for 27 years. He forms friendships with Stella, an elderly elephant, Bob, a stray dog, and Julia, the janitor’s artistic daughter. With the arrival of a baby elephant named Ruby, Ivan is inspired to find a better life for her and ultimately himself, thus discovering his own strength and identity through art and courage. The book contains themes of animal cruelty and loss.

A reader who enjoys The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is typically a middle-grade student aged 8-12 with an interest in animal stories and themes of friendship and freedom. Fans of Charlotte's Web by E.B. White and Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo will also find this book appealing.

Katherine Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan garners praise for its compelling narrative and deep emotional resonance. The anthropomorphic portrayal of animals and the story’s themes of freedom and friendship are highly impactful. However, some readers felt the pacing was slow at times. Overall, it’s a touching and thought-provoking read suitable for both children and adults.

Heartwarming / Emotional / Bittersweet / Inspirational / Contemplative

**Ivan**  
Ivan is a gorilla who has lived in a mall cage for 27 years as part of a small circus. He is based on a real gorilla of the same name. Throughout *The One and Only Ivan*, Ivan evolves from seeing himself as "just Ivan" to reclaiming his identity as a "Mighty Silverback" and protector, driven by his relationships with other animals, a young girl named Julia, and his love for art.

**Stella**  
Stella is an older elephant at the mall, wise and experienced, having spent years in a human circus. She remembers every detail of her past and shares her stories with Ivan and Ruby, gently pushing Ivan to confront his own past and helping him find his true purpose.

**Ruby**  
Ruby is a young, spirited elephant brought to the mall, who forms an immediate connection with Stella, whom she calls Aunt Stella. Her arrival prompts both Stella and Ivan to rethink their situations, as they fear she will share their confined fate.

**Bob**  
Bob is a small stray dog who sleeps on Ivan's belly. He prides himself on being free and independent after surviving abandonment as a puppy. While appearing cynical and independent, Bob cares deeply for his animal friends and eventually finds a home.

**Julia**  
Julia is the artistic 10-year-old daughter of the mall janitor, George. She spends time with the animals, particularly Ivan, and unlocks Ivan's artistic talents with a crayon and paper. Her compassion and understanding of suffering guide Ivan towards a brighter future.

**George**  
George is the mall janitor and Julia's father. He is a loving parent, trying to manage familial responsibilities while maintaining his job. Although initially hesitant, he ultimately aids Julia's efforts to help the mall animals find a better life.

**Mack**  
Mack is the owner of the Big Top Mall, overseeing the animals and circus. He once cared for Ivan as his child but later prioritizes financial gain over animal welfare. Mack's actions reflect a complex character, neither entirely malicious nor entirely caring.

- Katherine Applegate based The One And Only Ivan on the true story of a gorilla named Ivan who lived in a shopping mall in Tacoma, Washington, for 27 years before being moved to Zoo Atlanta.
- The One And Only Ivan won the 2013 Newbery Medal, one of the most prestigious awards in children's literature, for its distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
- In 2020, The One And Only Ivan was adapted into a Disney+ film featuring voice performances by notable actors like Sam Rockwell as Ivan and Angelina Jolie as Stella.

Katherine Applegate

Middle grade

Novel

The One and Only Ivan

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Overview

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The One And Only Ivan Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-38

The One And Only Ivan Chapters 1-38 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 39-79

The One And Only Ivan Chapters 39-79 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 80-116

The One And Only Ivan Chapters 80-116 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 117-153

The One And Only Ivan Chapters 117-153 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The One And Only Ivan Character Analysis

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Themes

The One And Only Ivan Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The One And Only Ivan Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The One And Only Ivan Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The One And Only Ivan Essay Topics

Introduction

The One And Only Ivan Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

The One And Only Ivan Before Reading

During Reading

The One And Only Ivan During Reading

After Reading

The One And Only Ivan After Reading

The One And Only Ivan

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