The One and Only Ivan
The One and Only Ivan is a heartfelt and thought-provoking middle-grade novel by Katherine Applegate, based on the true story of a silverback gorilla named Ivan. The narrative unfolds from Ivan's unique perspective, chronicling his life in captivity at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. Alongside his animal companions, including the wise elephant Stella and the loyal stray dog Bob, Ivan finds contentment in his routine, his friendships, and his newfound passion for art. However, the arrival of a baby elephant named Ruby, coupled with Stella's declining health, ignites a deep sense of responsibility in Ivan to ensure Ruby escapes the confines of their mall habitat for a better life. The book explores profound themes of identity, friendship, hope, and animal rights, while gently addressing the ethics of animals in captivity. It is generally appropriate for its target audience, offering an emotionally rich story with poignant moments and a ultimately uplifting message about freedom and compassion.
Concerns
Violence
MediumThe book contains descriptions of violence and animal cruelty, primarily through flashbacks and the animals' current living conditions. These instances, while not overly graphic, depict serious harm and death, contributing to a somber undertone.
Ivan recounts how his family was killed by poachers in the wild, stating that his sister Tag died and her 'head and hands chopped off'. He also mentions seeing 'gorilla hand ashtrays' for sale in the mall gift shop, a stark reminder of the brutality. The mall owner, Mack, is shown pushing Ruby the baby elephant 'past the point of exhaustion' during training and threatening her with a 'claw-stick,' a tool used for animal control, highlighting neglect and potential abuse. Stella the elephant's death is also attributed to untreated illness and neglect by Mack.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe book features several emotionally intense and potentially frightening situations, particularly those involving animal mistreatment, death, and the threat of violence, which can be upsetting for young readers.
The death of Ivan's sister, Tag, described with her 'head and hands chopped off' by poachers, is a disturbing detail from Ivan's past. The narrative also includes the sad death of Stella the elephant due to neglect, a significant emotional event for Ivan and Ruby. Furthermore, the 'claw-stick' used by Mack to train Ruby and the general harsh realities of animal captivity, where animals are 'pushed past her point of exhaustion,' create a constant undercurrent of tension and fear.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowNo explicit LGBTQ+ or gender identity themes or characters are present within 'The One and Only Ivan' book itself. Searches for such content directly related to the book yielded no results, distinguishing it from discussions around other works by the author or general literary recommendations.
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'.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowRomantic and sexual content in the book is minimal to non-existent, limited to very mild, non-explicit references or implications.
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.
Profanity
LowThe book contains very little to no profanity. Any instances of strong language are extremely rare and consist of mild insults or exclamations.
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.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThe book does not contain any themes related to witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, spells, or explicit supernatural elements.
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.
Substance Use
LowSubstance use is almost entirely absent and is only subtly implied in one instance regarding a human character.
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.
Disrespect & Rebellion
LowInstances of disrespect and rebellion are mild and primarily stem from the animals' reactions to their captivity and the actions of their human owner.
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.
Anti-Christian Themes
LowThe book does not contain any anti-Christian themes. Religious content is minimal and generally ambiguous, focusing more on a universal sense of hope or spiritual pondering rather than specific doctrines or criticisms.
The narrative avoids religious discussions. One review notes an 'ambiguous element where animal characters look up to the sky after one of their number passes away, as if she is looking down on them,' suggesting a general spiritual comfort rather than any specific religious doctrine or anti-Christian sentiment. The book's themes are centered on animal welfare, friendship, and freedom, without engaging in religious commentary.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Recommended for ages 8 and up. The book deals with mature themes such as animal cruelty, death of loved ones, and loss of freedom, which may be emotionally intense for younger or more sensitive readers. The narrative, however, is presented with sensitivity and ultimately conveys messages of hope and justice. Parental guidance is advised to discuss these complex topics.
Additional Notes
Parents should be prepared to discuss the emotional weight of animal captivity, loss, and the ethical treatment of animals, as these are central themes. While the book is ultimately hopeful, it does not shy away from depicting the sadness and challenges faced by the animals. The contrast between the book's descriptions of violence (e.g., gorilla hand ashtrays) and the movie's reduced portrayal highlights the importance of discussing these elements with children.
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