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The One and Only Ivan Review

4.0 rating
Reviewed by Ashlee Kelsen in Book Review
  • AuthorKatherine Applegate
  • PublisherHarperCollins
  • Published1/06/2015
  • Pages336

Would I Recommend It?

No doubt, yes! Why not? It’s a quick read, and the story is fascinating and can have many moving parts that you’ll remember at the end of the book. The most interesting part about this story is how it is from a gorilla’s point of view!

Book Review Podcast

A Must-Read: Benefits Of An Ebook

This is one of the first stories were the protagonist was an animal! It’s really interesting and somewhat hilarious how Katherine Interpreted being an animal. I would definitely recommend to others my age for a fun-loving book that sucks you into the story.

Highlights

Like the last episode, I don’t have the book, so I’ll have to vaguely describe the events that really spoke to me, in some weird way…

  • Not trying to spoil much, but the moment Ivan finally discovers his love for painting is so wholesome and is a great way to introduce Ivan’s talents. Because of this, other events in the story can make so much more sense!
  • I really can’t hold it in, I really can’t, but what I’m going to say next is going to be some spoilers! So, shut your ears if you have to!
  • I think Ruby’s understanding of the reality of Stella’s death is super important. I can tell Ruby is somewhat clueless and to add on, curious as well, and I think as a whole, Stella’s death brought in a whole layer of sadness, knowing the connections the characters had.

Character Thoughts

This is going to be an interesting one. Ivan is just so happy and funny at the same time. He’s so kind and generous to everyone around him, and like most animals, is always confused about life as a human. So is ruby! Even though we don’t receive her perspective of life, we can tell she’s just a cute elephant and very wholesome and curious.

Now, if you read the book, this character, you’re going to have mixed feeling about, let me just say that. I’m talking about Mack, the owner of the Big Top Mall. Yes, it’s true, he does care about Ivan and some of the animals in the mall, but he can be super rude sometimes.

He’s always trying to get money, it’s all he wants. It’s really what makes me hate him, a lot. I really wished he’d care more often about the safety and comfort of the animals. Especially when he was trading ruby, hurting her only for her to move where he wanted. But, on the bright side, we have characters like Julia, the janitor’s daughter who is an artist and taught Ivan how to draw!

The Wrap-up

Going through all of that, this book is just great in general. I wonder if I’ll ever find I book I very much dislike! So far, I enjoy every book I read! But, as always, don’t forget to check out the one and only Ivan by Katherine Applegate! Here’s our official Readability ending!

About Katherine Applegate

Katherine Alice Applegate is an American young adult and children's fiction writer, best known as the author of the Animorphs, Remnants, Everworld, and other book series. She won the 2013 Newbery Medal for her 2012 children's novel The One and Only Ivan.

OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR

The One and Only Ivan

Ashlee Kelsen

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OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR

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Hi, my name is Ashlee Kelsen. I am the host of, Readability! I am 11 years old and I love reading! I am apart of the Battle of the Books team at my school and I am enjoying it, nonetheless. I have a little brother I hang out with all the time and we both love reading so much! I really hope you enjoy my podcast, every Saturday! Keep reading!

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