I don't always post as many book reviews as I could, but today I couldn't contain my excitement! I started and finished The One and Only Ivan today by Katherine Applegate. This was the Newbery Winner for 2013! I found it to be FABULOUS!
The story centers around a gorilla, Ivan, who lives at the Big Top Shopping Mall. He lives with his friend, Stella, an elephant, and Bob, a dog. They live in glass "domains" (cages) where visitors come to see Stella and Ivan. One day, Ruby, a baby elephant joins their group and changes things up. Ivan's favorite activities are eating and creating art. He started creating art with crayons that Julia (the custodian's daughter) shares with him. After Mack, the mall owner, finds out Ivan can create art, he sells Ivan's pieces for $20. Ivan loves to create art and it's through his drawings that he finds happiness.
This book is written from Ivan's point of view and a great read for people who love animals. Ms. Applegate does a fantastic job of getting the reader inside the head of a gorilla. I found myself rooting for the animals and sharing their emotions. It is one of the best books I've read in a awhile and completely deserving of the gold medal it received!
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