Welcome to our online book club for grades 5 - 8! We are excited for you to join us in our discussion for The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate.
Along with a free copy of the book, you will receive a review page so you can tell us what you thought of the book! You will also receive a flyer for this website, a questions page to consider, activity pages, and an information page with cool links related to the book!
Please remember that we have a limited number of kits available, so it's first come, first served. If you have any special requests or need accommodations, please let Leanna or Amanda know!
All we ask is that you read the book: do as much or as little of the rest of it as you want!
"The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate
“Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all. Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line. Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home—and his own art—through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it’s up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.”
*Here are the following pages that you will receive with your kit!*
More about the author, the book and movie, gorillas, and art:
Katherine Applegate’s website: https://katherineapplegate.com/
The One and Only Ivan’s book site:
The One and Only Ivan’s movie adaptation site:
The Gorilla Organization’s site:
Northern Illinois University’s STEM page on The One and Only Ivan:
Site about the artist Pablo Picasso:
Included as well: an Ivan word search, an Ivan crossword puzzle, a get to know gorillas activity, and a recipe for strawberry milkshakes!
Like The One and Only Ivan? There’s a sequel called The One and Only Bob. Check it out!
We hope you enjoy these activities and cannot wait to hear what you thought of the book! We also hope you enjoyed the extra links. Remember, you can comment here on this website, email us at swantonpl@gmail.com, or come in and turn in a physical copy!