The One and Only Ivan

Katherine Applegate
F APP

This quick-read Newberry book is both sad and wonderful. Ivan is a silverback gorilla captured from the wild almost 30 years ago living in a small cage at a mall. He and a few other animals, including an elephant, perform little tricks for customers. Ivan is an artist and like a Kate DiCamillo book, the various animals talk to each other and make art. Ivan is based on a real gorilla that lived at a highway exit before being moved to a zoo. The story really begins when the old elephant, Stella, dies, and she asks Ivan to make sure her baby elephant, Ruby, leads a better life.
 
Ivan is frustrated at his inability to help Ruby. A girl and her father try to convince Mack, the owner of the mini circus at the mall, to do the right thing regarding the animals, even putting his job in danger.  Mack isn't entirely cruel, although his treatment of the animals is not really good either.  Mack cares for Ivan in his own way, although it is not the right way. When changes do occur, Ivan shows powerful emotions--happy and sad all at the same time. He is excited by his new experiences, but also worried and apprehensive.

The author does a marvelous job of showing the sadness of captured and caged animals, but also the strong spirit of humans willing to help animals.  The relationships between the characters are the best part of the book.