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The One And Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan is a heartfelt novel centered on a captive gorilla named Ivan, whose artistic journey and friendships illuminate themes of freedom, empathy, and the power of unexpected connections.

My One and Only

"Everyone knew she was his." ~ Ava and Lucas have been best friends since Lucas saw Ava at the playground when she was 4 years old. She is innocent and shy where as Lucas is more intimidating to everyone other than Ava. Despite this, they do everything together. Where ever one went, the other followed. Never going more than a day without seeing each other, it's safe to say they were inseparable. Now at 16, Ava is forced to spend a year in public school after being home-schooled all her life. How is Lucas going to react with all the new people she is going to meet, especially being so possessive over Ava. However, even though they are best friends, Lucas is keeping a secret from Ava. A big one. Lucas is a werewolf. And Ava is his mate.

9.9

75 Chapters

Their One and Only

Jasmine had a best friend for years then one day she woke up and he was just gone. No note, nothing. She learned how to move on with her life without her best friend. What happens when one night her boss walks her to her car because of a stalker and she ends up being reunited with her childhood best friend? Has too much time gone by between them that the friendship is left in the past? How does her boss, his brother, and their two best friends react to this reunion? How will they react to all the trauma she has endured through the years? Can they help her believe in love again and make them her one and only?

Not enough ratings

42 Chapters

His Only One

It all started as a bet. Her best friend pursuaded her to approach the young handsome guy. And since she had few days left she decided to enter an arranged relationship which led to an arranged marriage with the mysterious guy. They faced so many challenges in between and were forced to marry each other in the end after he fell in love with her. He didn't know that she was left with a few years to live. After finding at her big secret he started regretting everything he did to her but it was too late. Her days were numbered.

Not enough ratings

5 Chapters

My One and Only You

Does the heart remember who it once loved? What happens if someone else possesses this heart and the actual owner is gone? How can he fight the feeling if his rival is his best friend? And worse, she is his best friend's first love. Should he just let go, even though he knows he will be hurt a second time, or follow his heart even if he hurts someone else?

85 Chapters

My One And Only Maid

Ilayda had been leading a calm, normal life, working as a maid for the Elfonso family. Leaving all her past behind, and moving forward. All that changed when the elder son of the Elfonso family, decides to come back to take care of the family business. Stricken by the love of the girl in his house and the lies of his family, Christian's life is about to change. The buried secrets will be uncovered and the long-lived peace will be a memory.

33 Chapters

My One And Only Omega

Is there anything more tragic than having a crush on your boss? Being secretly In love with an Alpha that still engages in sexism. It would be a bitter secret love that was going to end in vain? It would be unrequited love? Or it would turn into an unexpected love story?

Not enough ratings

67 Chapters

What Happens To Ivan At The End Of 'The One And Only Ivan'?

4 Answers2025-06-25 01:04:22

At the end of 'The One and Only Ivan', Ivan’s journey culminates in a bittersweet triumph. After spending years confined in a mall as a spectacle, his art—a simple crayon drawing of Ruby, the baby elephant—becomes the catalyst for change. Public outcry forces the mall owner to relocate Ivan and Ruby to a wildlife sanctuary. Here, Ivan finally experiences freedom, sprawling grass under his feet and the company of his own kind.

He forms deep bonds with other gorillas, though adjusting to their social dynamics is initially challenging. The sanctuary isn’t just a physical escape; it’s an emotional rebirth. Ivan rediscovers his identity beyond being 'the One and Only,' embracing his role as a protector to Ruby and a friend to his new family. The ending resonates with hope, emphasizing resilience and the power of compassion to rewrite destinies.

Who Are The Main Characters In 'The One And Only Ivan'?

3 Answers2025-06-25 14:45:54

The heart of 'The One and Only Ivan' revolves around Ivan, a silverback gorilla with the soul of an artist. He's stuck in a rundown mall circus, stuck with memories of the jungle he barely remembers. Then there's Stella, the wise old elephant who spins stories like webs, and Bob, the scrappy stray dog who crashes with Ivan. Ruby's the game-changer—a baby elephant who makes Ivan see his cage for what it really is. The humans matter too, like Mack the bitter owner and Julia, the caretaker's kid who sneaks Ivan crayons. It's Ivan's love for Ruby that finally cracks his resignation wide open.

Where Does 'The One And Only Ivan' Take Place?

3 Answers2025-06-25 02:43:38

The setting of 'The One and Only Ivan' is a rundown circus-themed mall off Interstate 95, where Ivan the gorilla and his animal friends live in captivity. The Big Top Mall is a bleak place with flickering neon lights and tired performances, far from the lush jungles these creatures once knew. Ivan's domain is a tiny glass enclosure with cheap toys and a TV that barely works. The mall's parking lot is cracked, and the whole place smells like stale popcorn and animal waste. It's a stark contrast to the wild, highlighting the sadness of captivity. The story eventually shifts to a zoo, where Ivan gets a chance for a better life, but most of the book dwells in that depressing mall, making the eventual change feel like a real triumph.

Is 'The One And Only Ivan' Based On A True Story?

4 Answers2025-06-25 20:13:28

The charm of 'The One and Only Ivan' lies in its roots in reality. The novel is inspired by a real gorilla named Ivan, who spent years in a shopping mall before public outcry led to his relocation to a zoo. While the book takes creative liberties—anthropomorphizing Ivan and his animal friends—it mirrors the true story of captivity and advocacy. The heart-tugging narrative amplifies Ivan’s quiet resilience, blending fact with fiction to spotlight animal welfare.

The author’s note clarifies which elements are dramatized, like Ivan’s friendships with a stray dog and an elephant, but the core of his journey—isolation, artistry, and eventual freedom—is genuine. The real Ivan even learned to paint, just like his fictional counterpart. This mix of truth and imagination makes the story resonate deeper, turning a bleak history into a hopeful, unforgettable tale.

How Does 'The One And Only Ivan' Portray Animal Rights?

3 Answers2025-06-25 11:56:29

The way 'The One and Only Ivan' handles animal rights is both touching and thought-provoking. It doesn’t preach but shows the emotional and psychological toll of captivity through Ivan’s perspective. The mall enclosure is cramped, far from the lush freedom of a jungle, and Ivan’s art becomes his silent scream for something more. The book subtly critiques how humans treat animals as attractions rather than sentient beings. Ruby’s backstory—being taken from her family—hammers home the cruelty of the trade. What stands out is the hope: Ivan’s eventual move to a zoo, while not perfect, shows progress. It suggests that change is possible when empathy leads action.

Are There Any Hidden Messages In The Book One And Only Ivan?

5 Answers2025-04-30 06:09:36

In 'The One and Only Ivan', the hidden messages are woven deeply into the narrative, often reflecting on themes of freedom, empathy, and the human-animal bond. Ivan, the silverback gorilla, isn’t just a character; he’s a mirror to our own captivity—whether it’s physical, emotional, or societal. The book subtly critiques how humans exploit animals for entertainment, but it also shows how kindness and understanding can bridge even the widest gaps. Ivan’s art becomes a metaphor for self-expression and liberation, a way to communicate what words cannot.

Another layer is the idea of family and belonging. Ivan’s bond with Stella, the elephant, and Bob, the stray dog, shows that family isn’t always about blood. It’s about who stands by you, who shares your struggles, and who helps you dream of a better life. The mall where they live is a microcosm of a world that often prioritizes profit over compassion. Yet, the story doesn’t just dwell on the darkness; it highlights the power of small acts of courage, like Julia’s determination to help Ivan, to spark change.

The book also carries a quiet message about the importance of storytelling. Ivan’s narrative voice is simple yet profound, reminding us that everyone has a story worth telling, even those who are often silenced. It’s a call to listen, to see beyond the surface, and to recognize the dignity in all living beings.

What Age Group Is 'The One And Only Ivan' Suitable For?

3 Answers2025-06-25 10:23:36

I've read 'The One and Only Ivan' multiple times, and I think it's perfect for kids aged 8-12. The language is simple enough for young readers to follow, but the themes are deep enough to keep them engaged. Ivan's perspective as a gorilla adds a unique twist that makes complex ideas about freedom and friendship accessible. The illustrations help break up the text, making it less intimidating for reluctant readers. While younger kids might need some help understanding the heavier themes, the emotional core resonates with anyone who's ever felt trapped or misunderstood. It's one of those rare books that grows with the reader—simple on the surface but layered underneath.

What Awards Has The Book One And Only Ivan Won?

5 Answers2025-04-30 13:50:01

I’ve been a huge fan of 'The One and Only Ivan' since it came out, and it’s no surprise it’s won so many awards. The book took home the Newbery Medal in 2013, which is one of the most prestigious awards in children’s literature. It’s a big deal because the Newbery recognizes outstanding contributions to the field, and Ivan’s story definitely fits that bill. The book also won the Josette Frank Award, which honors fiction that promotes positive values for kids.

What’s really cool is how the story, based on a real gorilla, resonates with readers of all ages. It’s not just a kids’ book—it’s a powerful narrative about friendship, freedom, and hope. The awards it’s won highlight its universal appeal and the emotional depth Katherine Applegate brought to the story. It’s also been a staple on bestseller lists and has been translated into multiple languages, proving its global impact. If you haven’t read it yet, you’re missing out on a masterpiece.

How Does The Book One And Only Ivan Compare To The Movie Adaptation?

5 Answers2025-04-30 01:32:42

Reading 'The One and Only Ivan' and then watching the movie felt like revisiting an old friend with a fresh perspective. The book, with its poetic simplicity, lets Ivan’s voice shine through in a way that feels deeply personal. It’s raw, introspective, and leaves so much to the imagination. The movie, on the other hand, brings Ivan’s world to life with vibrant visuals and a more linear narrative. While it captures the heart of the story, some of the book’s quieter, more reflective moments get lost in the translation to screen. The movie adds a few subplots and characters to pad the runtime, which works for a visual medium but dilutes the book’s focus on Ivan’s inner journey. Both are beautiful in their own ways, but the book’s emotional depth and subtlety make it a more intimate experience.

One thing I appreciated about the movie was how it made Ivan’s friendships with Stella and Ruby more dynamic. The book hints at these relationships, but the movie gives them more screen time, making the emotional beats hit harder. However, the book’s sparse, almost minimalist style allows readers to project their own emotions onto Ivan, creating a deeper connection. The movie, while visually stunning, sometimes feels like it’s trying too hard to tug at your heartstrings. Both versions are worth experiencing, but they serve different purposes—the book is a meditation, and the movie is a celebration.

What Lessons Can Kids Learn From The Book One And Only Ivan?

5 Answers2025-04-30 03:33:35

Reading 'The One and Only Ivan' taught me so much about empathy and the importance of standing up for what’s right. Ivan, the gorilla, shows kids that even in tough situations, you can find hope and make a difference. His friendship with Ruby, the baby elephant, highlights the value of caring for others, especially those who can’t speak for themselves. The book also emphasizes the power of creativity—Ivan uses his art to communicate and eventually change his circumstances. It’s a reminder that everyone has a voice, even if it’s not through words. The story also touches on the idea of home and belonging, making kids think about what it means to feel safe and loved. It’s a beautiful lesson in resilience and the impact of kindness, showing that small actions can lead to big changes.