The One and Only Ivan; A Newbery Award Winner

A Beloved Bestseller Now a Major Motion Picture on Disney+

The #1 New York Times bestseller and Newbery Medal-winning novel, The One and Only Ivan, comes to life in an unforgettable story of friendship, art, and hope.

Inspired by the real-life tale of a captive gorilla, this acclaimed novel by Katherine Applegate is told through the unique perspective of Ivan himself.

For twenty-seven years, Ivan has lived behind glass walls in a shopping mall enclosure, accustomed to the curious eyes of visitors. He rarely thinks about his past in the jungle, instead filling his days with television, painting, and the companionship of his friends, Stella the elephant and Bob the stray dog. But everything changes when Ruby, a young elephant taken from the wild, arrives. Through her, Ivan begins to see his world—and his own purpose—differently.

With a perfect balance of humor and poignancy, The One and Only Ivan is a modern classic in the tradition of Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little. Featuring a powerful first-person narrative, rich imagery, and memorable characters, this novel is an ideal choice for middle-grade readers in grades 5 to 8—perfect for independent reading, homeschooling, or classroom discussion.