The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan
Author: Katherine Applegate
Published by Harper in 2012


Award: 2013 Newbery Medal Winner
Suggested Delivery: Independent Read
Reading Level:
Grade Level: 3rd -4th
Lexile Measure: 570L
 
Key Words:
1. Gorillas
2. Friendship
3. Zoo
4. Loyalty
5. Artist

Vocabulary: majestic (4), trilling (6), domain (31), juvenile (53), artistic license (163), amends (166), incompetent (185), temperamental (192)

Summary: For 27 year, Ivan has been held in captivity at the Big Top Mall on Route 8. With no companions like himself, he makes friends with Stella and Bob, an elephant and dog in the same situation. In this tale of loyalty and friendship, Ivan and his friends find creative ways to escape the home they’ve known for so long, in order to move to the Atlanta Zoo.
 
Teaching Strategies

Before: The One and Only Ivan is based loosely on a real gorilla named Ivan, who had been isolated in a mall for the first half of his life. In addition to watching the YouTube video linked below, have students do some independent research on Ivan and his transition to the Atlanta Zoo.

During: Despite being told from a gorilla’s point of view, this novel is one that explores the topic of friendship and loyalty. Students should consider why each relationship in the book works well and is valued by all the characters that share it. While reading, students should make a list of Ivan’s friends and their characteristics. In a chart, similar to the one below, record the qualities of Ivan, Bob, Stella, Ruby, and Julia.

Ivan	Bob	Stella	Ruby	Julia

 

After: After finishing the novel, add a column to the graphic organizer for your own best friend. Which qualities does he/she have that you value in your friendship. Next, highlight the qualities that are common between some/all of the characters.

Writing: From your graphic organizer, which qualities seem to make up the ideal friend? Why are they so important?

Electronic Resources:
Includes some discussion topics and potential lesson activities. Page 4 has information about the real Ivan.

o  www.teachingbooks.net/media/pdf/harpercollins/oneandonlyivanguide.pdf
Ivan the Gorilla video
o   www.youtube.com/watch?v+FF1oWHL-ISs&sns=em

Applegate, K. (2012). The One and Only Ivan. New York: Harper.