Heartwarming, Brave, Moving, Exceptional, Powerful
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Published by Harper, Copyright 2012
Ivan is a very unique gorilla. He spends his days watching
TV, talking to his friends Stella and Bob, and painting in his home, a shopping
mall. It’s not the most exciting life, but it’s what he is used to. It wasn’t
until a new attraction came to the mall—a baby elephant named Ruby—when big
changes started happening in Ivan’s life. The one and only Ivan must rely on
his art in his efforts to help his new friend find a happier home.
Grade level: 3-4
Lexile Measure: 570L
Description: Fiction
Suggested delivery: Read aloud
Electronic Resources:
Book Trailer
This book trailer can be shown to students before reading to
spark interest in the book and give them an idea of what the book will be
about.
This is a good website to let students explore before or
after reading the book. It contains information about the book and author. It
also tells the story of the real Ivan. Students can use this information to
build background knowledge or to compare parts of the story that are real and
parts that are fiction.
Teaching Strategies
Key vocabulary:
·
Domain – territory
·
Silverback – an adult male gorilla with an area
of silver hair on his back who is a figure of authority
·
Forage – to eat growing grass or other plants
·
Amend – to change or improve a mistake or bad
situation
·
Tactful – careful not to upset or offend other
people
·
Addled – unable to think clearly
·
Shroud – to cover or hide
Before reading: Since this book is based on true events,
introduce the story by providing background information on the real Ivan.
Understanding the true story of Ivan will aid students’ comprehension as they read
the story.
During reading: Have different small groups of students facilitate fishbowl discussions throughout the story regarding the characters, setting, and plot. Each discussion will be different depending on how far the students are in the book. Each student in the group should come prepared with one question.
After reading: Have students pick one quote that they believe
is significant to the story and write a short paragraph explaining the context
of the quote and why they think it is important. They can also draw an
illustration to go along with the quote.
Writing activity: Have students write an opinion piece about different environments for wild animals. The paper should be in the form of a
letter to the character, Mack, addressing whether or not they believe the Big
Top Mall was a suitable place for Ruby and the other animals to live.
Applegate, K. (2012). The One and Only Ivan. New York, New York: Harper.
