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The One And Only Ivan

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2012

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Book Brief

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Katherine Applegate

The One And Only Ivan

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2012
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Shopping Mall • Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

2012

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

570L

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Super Short Summary

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.

Heartwarming

Emotional

Bittersweet

Inspirational

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.5

221,440 ratings

84%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The One And Only Ivan?

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.

4.5

221,440 ratings

84%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Shopping Mall • Contemporary

Topic
Publication Year

2012

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

570L

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