Best Friends

The One and Only Ivan

by Katherine Applegate

Imagine spending 27 years alone in a concrete pen, behind a glass wall with nothing to do and nowhere to go. To make matters worse, you are on display 24 hours a day. Ivan the gorilla, the main attraction in a shopping mall, lived this life. Based on a true story, the tale is narrated by Ivan as he shares his dreams, recollections and fears.

Captured in infancy, he doesn’t remember much of his early life in the jungle until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant who comes to live in his small world. Her presence galvanizes him into action; he finds a purpose in trying to save her. Ivan is a true hero. With his limited skills, he must find a way to change both his and her fates. This is no mean feat when you are a non-verbal primate stuck in solitary confinement, and yet, he persists.

This might not sound like much of a children’s story, but it is really quite lovely. The animals speak, showing us what it is like to be completely at the mercy of humans who may not have their best interests at heart. They also show us what it means to love one another and to be courageous. To all of those who have been willing to risk everything for a better life, you will find a kindred spirit in Ivan the gorilla.

Katherine Applegate won the 2013 Newbery Medal for this book. She is also the author of Crenshaw, a story about a small boy who needs a friend during a difficult time.