The One and Only Ivan is a middle grade novel; the Lexile level of the book is only 570, which means a typical 4th-5th grade reader can comprehend it. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Readers will enjoy analyzing this complex literary piece and revel in the life lessons they take away from it. Ivan does not dwell on his memories as does his friend Stella, an elderly elephant in the cage next door. Inspired by the true story of a silverback gorilla who lived in a circus-themed mall in Washington state, this captivating story promises to be a favorite year after year. The story of Ivan, a gorilla who has spent all 27 years of his life in captivity. But his life changes when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild. Discussion questions and extension activities that promote social-emotional skills like empathy, friendship, and persistence are the primary feature of the teaching guide for the book "The One and Only Ivan." Katherine Applegate is the author of The One and Only Ivan, winner of the Newbery Medal and a #1 New York Times bestseller. She also reads excerpts from her picture book that is also about the true story of Ivan. The One And Only Ivan Coloring Sheet. ... caged, transported, etc. 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. The One and Only Ivan: An Instructional Guide for Literature. The One and Only Ivan By Katherine Applegate Synopsis Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Item Number: 40101; ISBN: 9781425889692; Price: $9.99. Reader must have a level of maturity to understand what Ivan and the other animals have gone through. The One and Only Ivan is a children’s novel by Katherine Applegate, first published in 2012. She lives in California with her family. Inspired by the true story of a silverback gorilla who lived in a circus-themed mall in Washington state, this captivating story promises to be a … Having spent twenty-seven years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. Katherine was inspired to write The One and Only Ivan after reading about the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, the Shopping Mall Gorilla. Grade: K-3. The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. Interest Level: Grades 3 - 5 Reading Level: Grade Perhaps his painting is the key. Fall in love with Ivan and his determination in this heartwarming story bursting with many different emotions. The One and Only Ivan Workbook is a complete novel unit with everything you need to teach The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. Katherine was inspired to write The One and Only Ivan after reading about the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, the Shopping Mall Gorilla. Reading to Kids is a grassroots organization dedicated to inspiring underserved children with a love of reading, thereby enriching their lives and opportunities for future success. The One and Only Ivan begins with Ivan, a silverback gorilla, introducing himself to the reader.Ivan lives in a glass-enclosed domain at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade.