The One and Only Ivan

The #1 New York Times bestselling and Newbery Award-winning novel The One and Only Ivan is now a major motion picture streaming on Disney+

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. 

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).

This acclaimed middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 5 to 8, for independent reading, homeschooling, and sharing in the classroom.

Plus don't miss The One and Only Bob, Katherine Applegate's return to the world of Ivan, Bob, and Ruby!

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336 pages

Average rating: 8.56

78 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

cheekeemo
Mar 03, 2025
10/10 stars
What a quick and charming read! I laughed, I cried. I learned a lot about kindness from a Silverback
Mrs. Awake Taco
Nov 13, 2024
8/10 stars
Beautiful and heartbreaking. An excellent read for children but also serves as a great reminder to adults that all creatures need to be treated with compassion.
HarboredInPages
Nov 11, 2024
10/10 stars
I loved it. Inspired by true events, and written very well. I felt so many emotions, and cried happy-ending tears. Would recommend.
DaileyBean
Aug 14, 2024
10/10 stars
Read-aloud with my 3rd graders. Happy tears only. Some of them were inspired to read the next book. I made sure to read about the true story behind the book to them at the end. <3
Shahna
Jul 18, 2024
8/10 stars
This book is sad.
I didn’t realize it’s based off a real gorilla.
Which makes this even sadder.
Humans are monsters.

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