The One and Only Ivan
Katherine Applegate (2012)
“Based on the true story of a gorilla who spent 27 years in a shopping mall, told in his own quiet, devastating voice.”
For Students
Because Ivan's voice will change how you think about who gets to tell their own story. The writing looks simple, but every short sentence is doing something precise — try writing like Ivan for a page and you'll see how hard simplicity is. And because the true story behind the novel is as powerful as the fiction.
For Teachers
A masterclass in voice and perspective for writing instruction. Short chapters make it ideal for read-aloud and close-reading exercises. Themes of captivity, freedom, and promise-keeping connect to social studies, ethics, and science curricula. The real Ivan provides rich nonfiction pairing opportunities.
Why It Still Matters
Every person knows what it feels like to be in a space too small for who they are. Ivan's story is about captivity, but it is also about finding your voice when no one is listening, keeping promises that seem impossible, and the power of art to say what words cannot. The fact that it is true makes it unforgettable.