4th Graders to Discuss Mighty Silverback Gorilla, The One and Only Ivan

Hello, readers!

This week fourth graders are meeting to discuss The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated novel is told from the point of view of Ivan himself.

Having spent 27 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. Full of humor and poignancy, the story focuses on the power of unexpected friendship, optimism, and hope. This unforgettable novel won the Newbery Award in 2013.

I look forward to discussing this book with you, and I predict our meeting will be one full of debate about animals, humans, and doing the right thing.

You can preview the discussion questions here, and be sure to check out the Grade 4 page for more activities, articles, and links.

Happy reading!