The One and Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate, is the delightful story of a captive gorilla struggling to create a better life for a friend. Full of humor and whimsy, this novel was inspired by the true story of Ivan, a gorilla who spent 27 years in solitary confinement at a shopping mall.
My urban middle school students begin the school year reading well below grade level.
We work hard in our mixed grade Language Arts classroom, reading and writing every day, to strengthen literacy and build the skills needed for success in high school and beyond.
This year, my students will be exploring the efforts of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey and others to understand and protect great apes. We will be learning about controversies over the use of chimpanzees in research, conflicts between human needs and environmental health throughout the world, and the evolving understanding of the impact of captivity on great apes.
My Project
I am requesting 16 copies of the novel The One and Only Ivan, along with a recording and instructional guide for this book. This book contains many references to true stories, including the inspiring tale of how public outcry led the real Ivan to a better life with a gorilla group at the Atlanta Zoo after many years of living alone. My students, including new English speakers and beginning readers, will be able to read and enjoy this short novel with the support of an audio version.
Two years ago, an elderly Ivan passed away at the Atlanta Zoo.
His story, however, is timeless and will continue to enchant children and adults for years to come. Please help me give my students the opportunity to read this beautifully written lyrical novel. Thank you.
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