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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About the author
Katherine Applegate
Author
Katherine Alice Applegate, known professionally as K. A. Applegate, is an American young adult and children's fiction writer, best known as the author of the Animorphs, Remnants, and Everworld book series. She won the 2013 Newbery Medal for her 2012 children's novel The One and Only Ivan. Applegate's most popular books are science fiction, fantasy, and adventure novels. She won the Best New Children's Book Series Award in 1997 in Publishers Weekly. Her book Home of the Brave has won several awards. She also wrote a chapter book series in 2008–09 called Roscoe Riley Rules.
The One and Only Ivan
by Katherine Applegate
Books Like The One and Only Ivan
If you're looking for books similar to The One and Only Ivan, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Wonder
R.J. Palacio
A story about a boy with a facial difference navigating school and social challenges. The book emphasizes empathy, kindness, and understanding differences. Similar to Ivan, it explores themes of perception, compassion, and seeing the world from a unique perspective.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Kate DiCamillo
A porcelain rabbit learns about love and connection after being lost and passed between different owners. The story explores themes of empathy, transformation, and emotional growth. Like Ivan, it features a protagonist who undergoes significant personal development through relationships.
The Giver
Lois Lowry
A dystopian story about a boy who discovers the complexity of human emotions and experiences. The narrative explores themes of perception, understanding, and personal growth. Similar to Ivan, it offers a unique perspective on seeing the world differently.
Charlotte's Web
E.B. White
A heartwarming story about friendship and compassion between animals. Wilbur the pig is saved from slaughter by Charlotte the spider, who weaves messages in her web to convince humans of his worth. Like Ivan, this book explores deep emotional connections and the power of unlikely friendships through an animal's perspective.
The One and Only Bob
Katherine Applegate
A sequel to Ivan's story focusing on Bob the dog. The book continues exploring themes of friendship, resilience, and personal growth. As a direct continuation, it offers deeper insights into the world introduced in The One and Only Ivan.
Out of My Mind
Sharon M. Draper
A story about a girl with cerebral palsy challenging perceptions about disability. The book emphasizes understanding, empathy, and inner strength. Like Ivan, it explores themes of perception and breaking through limitations.
The Wild Robot
Peter Brown
A robot named Roz finds herself stranded on a wild island and must learn to survive among animal inhabitants. The book explores themes of adaptation, friendship, and understanding different perspectives. Like Ivan, it features a unique protagonist learning to connect with a new environment.
Wishtree
Katherine Applegate
A story narrated by a tree witnessing community interactions and offering hope. The book explores themes of connection, understanding, and compassion. Written by the same author as Ivan, it shares similar narrative styles and emotional depth.
Pax
Sara Pennypacker
A touching tale of a boy and his fox, separated by war, who journey to reunite. The story explores themes of loyalty, connection, and understanding between humans and animals. Similar to Ivan, it offers a profound narrative from an animal's viewpoint and emphasizes empathy and resilience.
Fish in a Tree
Lynda Mullaly Hunt
A story about a girl with learning differences finding her strengths and self-worth. The book emphasizes understanding, empathy, and personal growth. Like Ivan, it explores themes of perception and overcoming challenges.
Because of Winn-Dixie
Kate DiCamillo
A young girl finds friendship and healing through a stray dog she adopts. The story explores themes of connection, empathy, and finding family in unexpected places. Similar to Ivan, it offers a heartwarming narrative about unexpected relationships and personal growth.
The Wild Children
Piers Torday
A story about survival and connection in a challenging environment. The narrative explores themes of resilience, friendship, and adaptation. Similar to Ivan, it offers a compelling tale of overcoming adversity through connection.
The Underneath
Kathi Appelt
A story of survival and friendship involving animals in a challenging environment. The narrative explores themes of resilience, connection, and unexpected bonds. Like Ivan, it offers a deeply emotional tale told from animal perspectives.
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