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Cover of The One and Only Ivan

Age rating and parents' guide:The One and Only Ivan

by Katherine Applegate

Ages 9–11

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is best for children aged 9–11. It has mild violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Animal captivity sadness.

Ivan, a captive gorilla in a shopping mall, uses art and courage to protect a young elephant.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
Mild
Scary moments
Mild
Romance
None
Bad language
None

Worth knowing: Animal captivity sadness

Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Early chapter book
  • ★Easy to get into from the first page
  • ★Plenty of illustrations
  • ★Emotionally light
  • ★A good pick for reluctant readers

Great for kids who like

  • Animals

Reading mood

  • Playful

Books like The One and Only Ivan

Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

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    Catrina moves to foggy Bahía de la Luna, where she confronts ghosts and her fears about her sister’s illness.

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is The One and Only Ivan for?
The One and Only Ivan suits children aged 9–11. It is an early chapter book: easy to get into from the first page, plenty of illustrations.
Q: Is The One and Only Ivan appropriate for a 9 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–11. It has mild violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing before reading: Animal captivity sadness.
Q: What should my child read after The One and Only Ivan?
Try A Boy Called Bat, Ghosts and Grandma's Bag of Stories. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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