The One and Only Ivan

The narrative focuses on the lives of captive animals and their yearning for freedom, with no discernible LGBTQ+ representation or exploration of gender identity among its characters. While the author, Katherine Applegate, has other works where readers have noted or discussed potential lesbian relationships (e.g., 'Odder' or 'Cress Watercress'), 'The One and Only Ivan' does not include such themes. Similarly, recommendations of other books 'perfect for gay or questioning kids' by the author do not refer to 'The One and Only Ivan'.

There are no explicit romantic relationships or sexual content depicted. Towards the end of the story, after Ivan's relocation, there is a brief mention that he 'falls in love with a gorilla named Kinyani' at the zoo, which is a mild and natural progression for his character within a new social group. Additionally, a minor character, a male rabbit, expresses a desire for a 'lady bunny' upon Ruby's arrival, which is a fleeting and innocent remark.

No significant profanity is present in the narrative. Reviews indicate that the language is generally clean, with any 'coarse language' being limited to mild name-calling such as 'loser' or 'stupid,' or exclamations like 'what the heck'. These instances are infrequent and not used in an aggressive or offensive manner.

The story grounds itself in the realistic experiences of animals in captivity, albeit with anthropomorphic elements such as the animals' ability to communicate. There are no magical or supernatural plot points, nor any references to occult symbols or practices. The narrative focuses on the physical and emotional realities of the characters' lives.

There are no explicit depictions of alcohol or drug use. The only subtle reference is when Ivan observes Mack, the mall owner, having 'red eyes and a 'sharp smell',' which implies he might have been drinking due to stress. This is an indirect observation and not a direct portrayal of substance consumption.

Ruby initially displays 'rebellion' by balking at Mack's harsh training methods but eventually complies out of fear. Bob the dog, a more cynical character, occasionally expresses disdain for humans, calling a security guard a 'loser' and generalizing humans as 'the worst'. The animals' collective desire and eventual effort to escape captivity can be interpreted as a form of rebellion against an unjust situation, driven by a desire for freedom rather than malicious intent.