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 is an easygoing gorilla who has lived for years in a glass enclosure at a roadside shopping mall, spending his time watching television and painting. He is used to his small world until Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, arrives. Ruby's arrival awakens long-buried memories of Ivan's past in the jungle. Determined to give her a better life, Ivan uses his art and intelligence to find a way to freedom. Written in spare, poetic prose from Ivan's perspective, this gentle, moving story explores friendship, empathy, and hope.
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
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
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
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