Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla
The One and Only Ivan Series
What’s inside...
This book tells the true story of Ivan, a captive gorilla who lived alone in a Washington mall for twenty-seven years before being moved to a zoo. Ivan's story of resilience, adaptation, and finally freedom, told with heartfelt simplicity, is both powerful and poignant. In a spare, powerful text and evocative illustrations, the Newbery medalist Katherine Applegate and the artist G. Brian Karas present the extraordinary real story of a special gorilla. Captured as a baby, Ivan was brought to a Tacoma, Washington, mall to attract shoppers. Gradually, public pressure built until a better way of life for Ivan was found at Zoo Atlanta. From the Congo to America, and from a local business attraction to a national symbol of animal welfare, Ivan the Shopping Mall Gorilla traveled an astonishing distance in miles and in impact. This is his true story and includes photographs of Ivan in the back matter.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-10
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ivan
Discussion points
What feelings did you experience when learning about Ivan's life in the shopping mall?
Why is it important for animals like Ivan to live in their natural habitat?
How do you think the people who visited Ivan felt when they saw him?
What can we do to help animals who are in situations like Ivan's?
How did the story change your views on the treatment of animals in captivity?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine how Ivan might have felt during different parts of the story.
Discuss the importance of natural habitats, and compare them to artificial environments like a mall.
Prompt your child to think about the role humans play in wildlife conservation and how each person can make a difference.
After reading, consider visiting a wildlife sanctuary or zoo and discuss the differences in animal care and living conditions.
Use the story as a starting point to explore more about gorillas and other endangered species, fostering a deeper understanding and respect for wildlife.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The story of Ivan, a gorilla captured as a baby and raised in a shopping mall, showcases the emotional and physical toll that unnatural environments have on wild animals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize the needs and feelings of others, understanding that all creatures deserve a life that respects their natural habitats.
Example Lesson: Responsibility toward wildlife
Explanation: The book highlights the consequences of human actions on wildlife, emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior towards animals and nature.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to think about how their actions affect the environment and to participate in activities that promote animal welfare and conservation.
Example Lesson: Importance of Animal Rights
Explanation: Ivan’s story brings to light the issues of animal captivity and rights, pushing readers to consider the ethics of how animals are treated in entertainment and captivity.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children develop a moral standpoint on the confinement of animals, prompting them to support or engage in ethical practices regarding animal treatment.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite the hardships he faces, Ivan shows incredible resilience, adapting to new environments and eventually finding a better life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn from Ivan’s resilience in the face of adversity, applying this mindset to overcome challenges in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Awareness and Activism
Explanation: The public's response to Ivan’s situation eventually leads to his transfer to a better environment, demonstrating how collective awareness and activism can enact change.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to speak up about issues they care about and understand that their voices can lead to positive changes in society.