What To Do About Alice? by Barbara Kerley

Bibliography:

Kerley, Barbara. What to do About Alice? Ill. by Edwin Fotheringham. New York: Scholastic Press, 2008. ISBN 9780439922319

Plot Summary:

Theodore Roosevelt's eldest daughter, Alice, was born in 1884 and her mother died two days later. Roosevelt remarried and had other children, but it was Alice who kept him on his toes. The family often moved because of Roosevelt's career. Alice "ate up the world"...she did everything and anything it was possible to do. She loved to read and was taught at home. When Alice got older, she would have to wear braces because her legs were not growing correctly. She would not let this slow her done either. Alice was supposed to attend boarding school, but she talked her father into letting her study in his library instead. "She came up with her own solution for her education. She said to Father, 'LET ME LOOSE IN YOUR LIBRARY.' She taught herself astronomy, geology, even Greek grammar."

Alice became interested in politics as her father's career took off. He became president in 1901, and the family moved into the White House. Alice became a goodwill ambassador for her father and made him very proud. However, she still had lots of fun and everyone loved her. She even had a song and a color named after her! Alice traveled with the American delegation to Asia and had a wonderful time dancing, swimming, touring, and receiving many gifts. She returned after four months with many boxes and lots of gifts...she also came back with a fiancé...Congressman Nicholas Longworth! She excelled as a congressman's wife and also as a trusted adviser and champion of her father's. AND...she still had fun!!!

Critical Analysis:

Author Barbara Kerley has won several awards for her picture books, including a Caldecott Honor award and an ALA Notable Book award for The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins. She also received the Sibert Honor Book for Walt Whitman: Words for America. An author's note is included at the end of the book which gives more biographical information about Theodore and Alice Roosevelt. This information will give children just enough knowledge about Alice to want to find out more about her.

 

The story is organized in a comprehensible progression beginning when Alice was born to her later life as a wife and advocate for her father. The book is playful, inviting and very readable. The illustrations complement the text and give readers an exceptional picture of who Alice's character and life. The illustrations fit the story of Alice very well...they are whimsical, lively and exciting...just like Alice! The style and clothing is reminiscent of the 1800’s and 1900’s. The illustrations have the feel of old time pictures even though they were achieved in digital media. Bold text is used throughout the story to emphasize important thoughts or statements. "I can be president of the United States, or I can control Alice I cannot possibly DO BOTH."

What to do About Alice? makes an excellent read aloud book. I enjoyed learning about this unconventional woman and I think children would also.  I do not think they would pick it up on their own, however, so I would definitely incorporate it into a lesson for my students.

The book got me interested in learning more about Alice, and I found out that she did live a very interesting life and lived it by her own rules. Some of it is probably not appropriate for elementary students, but older students would find her and her travels through life fascinating.

Review Excerpts:

• Sibert Honor Book
• Boston Globe-Horn Award Honor Book
• Parents Choice Award
• Irma Black Award Honor Book
• A Publishers Weekly Best Books of the Year
• A School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
• A Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year
• An ALA Notable Book
• New York Public Library: 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
• From Booklist (starred review)"Irrespressible Alice Roosevelt get a treatment every bit as attractive and exuberant as she was...Kerley's text has the same rambunctious spirit as its subject, grabbing readers from the first line...The large format gives Fotheringham, in his debut, plenty of room for spectacular art." 
  
• From School Library Journal (starred review) "Kerley's text gallops along with a vitality to match her subject's antics, as the girl greets White House visitors accompanied by her pet snake, refuses to let leg braces cramp  her style, dives fully clothed into a ship's swimming pool, and also earns her place in history as one of her father's trusted advisers.... Fascinating."
• From Publishers Weekly (starred review) "It's hard to imagine a picture book biography that could better suit its subject than this high-energy volume serves young Alice Roosevelt."
                  

Connections:

Students can learn more about Alice and see some great photographs of her, visit:
http://www.theodore-roosevelt.com/alice.html
http://www.stacycordery.com/books/alice-roosevelt-longworth/

What is it like to live in the White House?  Learn about other kids who grew up in the White House:
K-3:  K-3 First kids

4-8:  4-8 First Kids

Learn more about Roosevelt's family, visit:
Roosevelt Family

Read other books about the Roosevelt family, such as:
Mind Your Manners, Alice Roosevelt! by Leslie Kimmelman ISBN 9781561454921
Who was Theodore Roosevelt? by Michael Burgan ISBN 9780448479453
America's First Families by Carl Sferrazza Anthony ISBN 9780684864426

Action Jackson by Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan

Bibliography:

Greenberg, J. & Jordan, S. Action Jackson. Ill. by Robert Andrew Parker. Connecticut: Roaring Brook Press, 2002. ISBN 9780312367510

Plot Summary:

Action Jackson is the biography (and nickname) of painter Jackson Pollock. This picture book biography describes how Jackson made one of his most famous paintings, Lavender Mist, using his drip method. We learn about his creative process, how he thinks about a painting long before he paints it, and how he uses his whole body to make the painting. “He swoops and leaps like a dancer, paint trailing from a brush that doesn’t touch the canvas.” Jackson becomes part of the painting. He expresses that ‘the painting has a life of its own. I try to let it come through.’ We also learn he was a regular guy with a dog, a wife, and a home near the beach.  The end of the book contains an extended biography that explains more about Pollock’s life and adds some interesting information about him that children will find fascinating.

Critical Analysis:

Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan are collaborators who have written many notable books about art. Action Jackson is a Sibert Honor book and they have received a number of other Sibert Honors for their nonfiction books. One of their latest, Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring has received a Sibert Honor and an NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children. In Action Jackson, the authors have included a 2-page biography about Pollock which tells a bit more about his upbringing and his struggles. Notes and sources, along with a bibliography, are included at the end.

This picture book biography tells about a specific period in Pollock’s life when he created one of his most famous paintings, Lavender Mist, or Number 1, 1950. The story tells about his creative process and his everyday life in a logical sequence that is easy for kids to understand. The illustrations capture his unique painting technique with a spirited, free quality that feels similar to one of his paintings. Thumbnails of some of his paintings give readers an idea of what a Pollock painting looks and feels like; however, I think the addition of a full-size photo of one of his paintings would help kids get a better idea of his work.

The writing of the book is vibrant, fascinating, and enjoyable to read. Children will enjoy learning about artist Pollock and his unique painting style. This biography will pique student’s interest in art and artists such as Pollock. The biography at the ends gives just enough information about Pollock to satisfy the reader’s curiosity and may encourage some to do some additional research about Jackson Pollock.

Review Excerpts:

• A Robert F. Sibert Honor Book
• A New York Times Best Book of the Year
• A Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year
• The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books: Blue Ribbon Book
• An ALA Notable Book 
• From Publishers Weekly (starred review) "...abstract artist Jackson Pollack takes the spotlight in this outstanding picture book biography.  Whether capturing the intensity of the creative process and the artist's unique choreography or the spare vistas of sea and sky near the artist's Long Island home, Parker's impressionistic pen-and-watercolor illustrations pay homage to the painter's sweep of line and color ("energy and motion made visible," to quote Pollack). An extensive afterword offers notes and sources, as well as photos of Pollack at work and quotes from his friends and colleagues."
• From Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Art history specialists Greenberg and Jordan (Boston Globe/Horn Book-winning Chuck Close, Up Close, 1998; Sibert Honor-winning Vincent Van Gogh: Portrait of An Artist, 2001) have again pushed the nonfiction envelope with this astonishing biography cum evocation of action painter and abstract expressionist icon Jackson Pollock.    Greenberg and Jordan make strategic use of contemporaneous accounts and press sources including Hans Namuth’s photos and documentary film.  The book’s back matter includes the terrifically interesting and surprisingly complete two pages of notes and sources. Parker evokes Pollock’s painting with his own painter’s hand.  He masterfully conveys painting as an active dance of form and color.  This stunning collaboration is both a tour de force and an uncommon pleasure. 
• From Booklist (starred review) "Using spare, lyrical words, the authors layer the exciting story with deep observations about what art is, how it is made, and why Pollock was so extraordinary.   Parker’s scribbly pen-and-watercolor illustrations get the mood just right; the loose lines have an improvised, energetic quality that echoes Pollock’s painting."

 Connections:

Visit the National Gallery of Art to see Lavender Mist and other works by Pollock:
http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/Collection/highlights/highlight55819.html

Gather other books written by Greenberg and Jordan to read such as:

The Mad Potter: George E. Ohr, Eccentric Genius ISBN 9781596438101

Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring ISBN 9781596433380

Chuck Close: Up Close ISBN 9780789424860
Andy Warhol, Prince of Pop ISBN 9780756979522
Vincent Van Gogh: Portrait of an Artist ISBN 9780440419174

Watch video of Greenberg and Jordan discussing the writing of Action Jackson:

Greenberg & Jordan video

Have children make their own drip (“action”) painting. Decide
what type of paint to use. To keep things clean, spread newspaper on the floor or
conduct the activity outside. Give everyone a smock, or let parents know in
advance that children will be painting and may get their clothes dirty. Hand
each child a piece of paper to spread out on the floor. Provide assorted sponges,
paintbrushes, spatulas, marbles, and string. Have children flick, sweep, drip, or
splatter paint onto their “canvases” using different colors, instruments, and
techniques. Encourage them to paint “like a dancer” as Pollock did. Afterwards,
ask children how they felt while they were painting. Have children
think of names (or numbers!) for their painting, then label and sign them.

Have children do individual chalk drawings outside, or have them work
together on a chalk mural.

Read other fun books about art, such as:
Through Georgia’s Eyes by  Rachel Victoria Rodríguez ISBN 9780805077407
The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds ISBN 9780763619619
Willy’s Pictures by Anthony Browne ISBN 9781406313567
Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg ISBN 9780761157281
The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt ISBN 9780399255373

Invite a local artist or illustrator to visit, show the children some
of their art, talk about their creative process, and do a live demonstration. Before
the artist comes, brainstorm questions children can ask. Another option would
be to have the artist lead children in an art activity (making stamps or block
paintings, tattoos, henna, batik, etc.). 

Quest for the Tree Kangaroo by Sy Montgomery

Bibliography:

Montgomery, Sy. Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea. Photos. by Nic Bishop. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006. ISBN 9780547248929

Plot Summary:

In this fascinating book, we learn about Matschie's tree kangaroo...a rare and beautiful creature...only found in New Guinea. It is one of ten kinds of tree kangaroos on the planet. It is also one of the rarest creatures on the earth and in danger of becoming more rare. A research team sets out to explore the cloud forest of Papua New Guinea and to learn the secrets of the tree kangaroo. Scientist Lisa Dabek leads the team every year to learn more about her favorite animal. "Impossibly soft, with a rounded face, button eyes, pink nose, pert upright ears and a long thick tail, it was about the size of a small dog or an overweight cat, with plush brown and golden fur." Author, Sy Montgomery, and photographer, Nic Bishop, join the difficult, but rewarding and exciting journey.

Critical Analysis:

This large book catches the eyes of children with a cover of a sweet, furry creature snacking on something green. Upon opening the book, readers will see large and small colorful photos of the native people of New Guinea, the cloud forest jungle, rare animals, and so much more. Each photograph is explained and ties in with the text. The pictures are so vibrant and interesting, they really leave you wanting more. Their placement on the pages is inviting and has good use of variation as far as size, color, and photo bleeding. Though entrenched with good material, the text is not overly small and the headings are large and colorful.

The text follows a chronological order. It is lively and includes interest, personal stories, and factual information. The book also includes a list of words from the native language of Tok Pisin. Readers can refer to the list of “Tree Kangaroos Near You” in order to experience the delight of seeing one in person. The author and field researcher are both women with impressive backgrounds. Sy Montgomery is an award-winning author who experiences her writing first-hand by exploring the world. Dr. Lisa Dabek worked at Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island as the zoo’s director of conservation and research. Photographer Nic Bishop is an acclaimed photographer of children’s books and also holds a doctorate in biological sciences.

This story can be read by people of many ages and is interesting to all! Personally, I found it simply fascinating. The text is clear, readable, and exciting. As you begin reading the book, you will be immediately drawn into the events and you will celebrate when Lisa and her team discover tree kangaroos. “There’s nothing more inspiring than seeing a tree kangaroo up close,” Lisa says. “To know one is to love one. They’re so endearing. They are truly the ambassadors for their wild cousins. When people see them eat, watch them move, see what they do, they’ll want to help them.” After reading, kids will want to learn more about the elusive tree kangaroo.

Review Excerpts:

• A 2007 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book
• 2007 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award Winner
• From School Library Journal (starred review)-"Montgomery and Bishop continue their outstanding collaboration to introduce readers to scientists at work. Here, they document their participation in an expedition to the rugged and remote cloud forest of Papua New Guinea in search of the elusive and fascinating Matschie's tree kangaroo. The book's fascinating glimpses into a little-explored region will hold the attention of anyone interested in unusual creatures and the efforts to study them."
• From Booklist (starred review)-"Montgomery and Bishop follow award-wining titles such as The Tarantula Scientist (2004) with another beautifully illustrated entry in the Scientists in the Field series. Montgomery gives a chronological, sometimes moment-by-moment account of the challenging climb into the remote cloud forest, the conditions in camp, and the awe-inspiring encounters with barely studied animals. She also communicates the thrill of studying animals in the wild, making observations, and discovering new information. As usual, Bishop's color photographs are exemplary and extend the excitement in stunning close-ups of creatures and of the team at work. 
• From Publishers Weekly (starred review)-"...another commendable title from an experienced team."
• From Horn Book-"Montgomery's friendliness and curiosity set the tone...Bishop's photography is, as always, outstanding...Dabek's advice to young naturalists...[is a] useful addition."
• From People Magazine-"In this fact-packed adventure with stunning photos, readers joins scientists in New Guinea to radio-collar the way-cute tree-dweller."

Connections:

Have students complete a research project about the Kakapo of New Zealand...visit Sy Montgomery website

What would YOU would pack on an expedition to New Guinea? Make a list of the stuff
you use daily, starting with when you get up in the morning. Which of these items would
you want to bring to Papua New Guinea? What would you leave behind? What would you substitute?
And what would you need for an expedition that you don’t normally use? Compare with
your classmates. (Now, can you carry that uphill for three days?)

What other animals intrigued you in Papua New Guinea? Do a report on one of them.
Then write up all the unknowns about the animal. Maybe you will be the next person to
study it!

Journaling: for five days, try to keep a journal like the author did. Try not to merely list
everything you did; try to make it into an interesting story with a theme. Remember you
don’t have to put in every single thing that happened. Just put in the parts that are most
interesting to you. Tell us why these things were interesting or important. What about
each day would you want to share with a friend?

Share some other books written by Sy Montgomery with students:
Journey of the Pink Dolphins: An Amazon Quest ISBN 9781603580601
Spell of the Tiger: The Man-Eaters of Sundarbans ISBN 9781603580595
Walking with the Great Aples: Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, Birute Galdikas ISBN 9781603580625
Chasing Cheetahs: The Race to Save Africa;s Fastest Cat ISBN 9780547815497
The Tapir Scientist: Saving South America's Largest Mammal ISBN 9780547815480

What My Mother Doesn't Know by Sonya Sones

Bibliography:

Sones, Sonya. What My Mother Doesn't Know. New York: Simon Pulse, 2003. ISBN 9781442493858

Plot Summary:

Sophie is 15 and she is really into boys, as are most girls at this age. This book covers all the things teen girls typically going through: boys, friends, fights with mom, and growing up in general. Dylan is Sophie's first boyfriend in the story and he is perfect. Then Sophie starts to notice things about Dylan...that she doesn't like. He tells her she shouldn't mention that she is Jewish when she meets his mom. His mom uses the phrase "everyone kept trying to Jew her down on the prices" and this didn't seem to bother Dylan at all, but it bothered Sophie. He is too short; his hands are like a little boy's. He tells her he loves her and all she wants to do is cry. She breaks up with Dylan. She then meets Chaz online and is in love...again! They chat online for hours until he tells her that he likes to "jack off in libraries" and that's the end of that brief relationship.

She goes to a dance with her friends in a dress her mom doesn't approve of and dances with a "masked man." While waiting for her mom an older boy in a group of boys grabs her breasts and she is very upset. She forgets to change her dress and her mom discovers her deceit. Mom rips up the dress at home and becomes very depressed...Sophie feels guilty about causing her sadness. She accidentally meets her friend Murphy (homely Murphy) at the museum and they have fun...they start hanging out. They have lots in common and she likes him more and more. But they are just friends, right?

Critical Analysis:

Sones uses free verse to tell Sophie's story and it is quite effective. The poems or chapters are typically one to three pages long; some are quite short and others ramble on a bit. This alternating rhythm makes the novel a quick, enjoyable read. The poems read easily and flow well from one to the next. It feels like a story or a diary, but without a lot of extra details. Occasionally, there are a few e-mails and chat conversations mixed in within the poems.

The language used by Sonya Sones fits the typical teen girl. Sometimes Sophie is mature and wise beyond her years; other times she is childish and bratty. The inclusion of chat conversations and e-mails adds to the interest of the book and is very appropriate for teens. It is something they do themselves and it helps them to relate to Sophie even more.

Some of Sonya Sones' books are somewhat controversial and maybe some parents don't agree with everything that is in them. However, I feel that What My Mother Doesn't Know sends a great message to girls about listening to your inner voice, being strong, and trusting your feelings.

I know from being a junior high school librarian that Sonya Sones' books are very popular in the library, I could not keep them on the shelf. Girls love them...even some boys read them too!

Excerpt from What My Mother Doesn't Know:

I Wish

I wish I could drink a magic potion and
shrink way down till I was small
enough to fit right into his shirt pocket and live
there tucked near to 
his hear listening
to it beating in
rhythm with
mine every
minute of
every 
day

Review Excerpts:

• From Booklist (starred review) "Fast, funny, touching."
• From Publishers Weekly-"With its separate free verse poems woven into a fluid and coherent narrative with a satisfying ending, Sophie's honest and earthy story feels destined to captivate a young female audience, avid and reluctant readers alike."
• From Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "A verse experience that will leave readers sighing with recognition and satisfaction."
• ALA 2003 Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
• ALA 2002 Best Book for Young Adults
• Booklist Editors' Choice 
• Listed by the American Library Association as one of the Top Ten Most Challenged Books (2204, 2005, 2010, 2011) 
• 2003 International Reading Association Young Adults' Choice
• 2003-2004 Texas Lone Star State Reading List Choice 

Connections:

Gather other books written by Sonya Sones to read such as:
One of Those Hideous Books Where the Mother Dies ISBN 9781442493834
What My Girlfriend Doesn't Know ISBN 9781442493841
Stop Pretending: What Happened When My Big Sister Went Crazy ISBN 9780064462181
To Be Perfectly Honest: A Novel Based on an Untrue Story ISBN 9780689876042

Have students write a poem or a short story in verse form.

Visit Sonya Sone's website to learn more about her and her other books: http://www.sonyasones.com/index.htm.

Have students tell about a week in their life through verse form, share with class.

Tell students about the little illustrations in the bottom corner of the pages towards the end of the book, it's a tiny flip book by Sonya Sones! When you flip the pages, the couple kisses. Sones used to be an animator...very interesting.

Please Bury Me in the Library By J. Patrick Lewis

Bibliography:  

Lewis, J. Patrick. Please Bury Me in the Library. Ill. by Kyle M. Stone. Orlando: Gulliver Books. ISBN 9780152163875

Plot Summary:

This book is a collection of sixteen poems by J. Patrick Lewis about books, libraries, words, and reading. It explores the joy that reading and books bring to so many people. Lewis includes haiku, traditional rhymes, acrostic, quatrains, couplets, and free verse poetry in his delightful collection. Kyle M. Stone illustrates the poems with whimsical illustrations. My favorite illustrations are the on the front cover and the back of the book.

Excerpt from Please Bury Me in the Library:

Are You a Book Person?

A good book is a kind
Of person with a mind
Of her own,
Who lives alone,
Standing on a shelf
By herself.
She has a spine,
A heart, a soul, And a goal--
To capture, to amuse,
To light a fire
(You're the fuse),
Or else, joyfully,
Just to be.
From beginning 
To end,
Need a friend?

by J. Patrick Lewis

Critical Analysis:

This collection of poetry begins  with a table of contents , includes page numbers, and large poem titles. The poems range from being very short to one page. All of the poems are different in style and rhyme scheme but they work together as a collection because of the topic of each poem. I found that the delightful illustrations enhanced each poem and added to the imagery of the poem. These poems are fun, silly, and children will delight in them. A personal favorite is the acrostic poem Necessary Gardens:
                Libraries 
                Are
                Necessary
                Gardens,
                Unsurpassed
                At
                Growing
                Excitement.

The book includes silly poems such as Flea-ting Fame, What if Books Had Different Names?, and The Big-Word Girl. Sweet, nostalgic poems are included such as A Classic and Are You a Book Person? Some poems are more appropriate for younger children and some work better with older children. Adults will enjoy all the poems.

Review Excerpts:

• From Booklist-"Lewis' poetry is continually clever, whether pithily summing up children's classics (a book that is excitedly read by a kid of 6 to another kid of 63) or capturing the thrill of reading in the dark."
• From School Library Journal-"A semi-swell collection of 16 poems celebrating books, reading, language, and libraries." 
• Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award 2006-2007
• From Library Media Connection-" Although this beautifully illustrated picture book of clever poems is primarily for young children, it will tickle the fancy of most book lvoers. Every poem has something to do with either books or reading."
• From Kirkus Reviews-"...this offering from the prolific Lewis won’t stay buried long, no matter where it’s planted."

Connections:

Have students explore J.Patrick Lewis' fun website: http://www.jpatricklewis.com/

Visit the online magnetic poetry site: http://play.magneticpoetry.com/poem/Original/kit/

Visit Giggle Poetry:  http://www.gigglepoetry.com/

Gather other poetry collections to share with students such as:
Poetry Speaks to Children edited by Elise Paschen and Dominique Raccah ISBN 9781402203299
Poems to Learn by Heart by Caroline Kennedy ISBN 9781423108054
The Random House Book of Poetry for Children compiled by Jack Preltusky ISBN 9780394850108
National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry: 200 Poems with Photographs That Squeak, Soar, and Roar! by J. Patrick Lewis ISBN 9781423310096
The Bill Martin Jr. Big Book of Poetry edited by Bill Martin ISBN 9781416939719

Have students create acrostic poems with Necessary Gardens as their example.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Bibliography:
Applegate, Katherine. The One and Only Ivan. Ill. by Patricia Castelao. New York: Harper, 2012. ISBN 9780061992254

Plot Summary:

Ivan is a a gorilla who lives in the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade along with his friends Stella the elephant and Bob the dog. Ivan likes to watch television, eat, and make beautiful art. Stella has a lame leg and is very sick. Ivan is older and doesn't attract as many visitors as he used to in his younger days. Their owner, Mack, decides to buy a baby elephant in hopes of bringing more business to the zoo. Stella immediately bonds with little Ruby and helps her adjust to her new life.

Stella's injured foot causes her to become very ill. The owner of the mall, Mack, cannot afford a veterinarian and does not call one to look at her. Stella dies, but before shes does she makes Ivan promise to give Ruby a different life than the one she has led. Ivan promises his good friend her dying wish, but is unsure how he will accomplish this.

Critical Analysis:

The One and Only Ivan is written in free verse style poetry and I wasn't sure if I liked it at first. After reading a few chapters, though, I enjoyed the style. I think that verse works well in this book. It is a natural fit for Ivan's voice since he is a gorilla. He is intelligent, but he doesn't have the language skills of a human. He says very little at times, but he means much more. Applegate's writing is entrancing and her sentences are sometimes simple, yet they hold so much meaning. She uses language in unusual ways. She describes a mop as it "moves across the empty food court like a giant brush, painting a picture no one will ever see."

The imagery in this story was very vivid and I could picture Ivan in his cage painting pictures and making a plan. I felt Stella's pain and her desire for a different life for Ruby. I could see Bob prancing in and out of Ivan's cage, a free spirit. I could picture Ruby feeling afraid, asking lots of questions, and missing her home. I understood Julia's empathy for the animals and her desire to help them.

This is a poignant story which made a deep emotional impact on me when I read it. I fell in love with Ivan and felt his pain, his isolation, and his frustration. I also loved Stella, Ruby, and Bob. They all made a lasting imprint on my heart.

The illustrations in the book are kept to a minimal. They are very sweet and add to the tale without taking away from the story. The pictures are almost too sweet...they don't reflect the sadness that occurs in the book. I'm not sure they need to reflect any sadness, however, since the characters do an excellent job of this through their words and thoughts.

I think this story will appeal to children for many reasons. Children will love Ivan and his zany group of friends. They will feel sorry for Ivan and want to help him and his friends. I know many students will like the verse style of the book and find it fun and easy to read.

Excerpt from The One and Only Ivan:

I straighten to my full height. "I promise, Stella," I say in a voice like my father's.

"But you haven't even heard what I'm asking yet," she says, and she closes her eyes for a moment. Her great chest shudders.

"I promise anyway."

Stella doesn't say anything for a long time. "Never mind," she finally says. "I don't know what I was thinking. The pain is making me addled."

Ruby stirs. Her trunk moves, as if she is reaching for something that isn't there.

When I say the words, they surprise me. "You want me to take care of Ruby."

Stella nods, a small gesture that makes her wince. "If she could have a life that's...different from mine.

She needs a safe place, Ivan. Not--"

"Not here," I say.

It would be easier to promise to stop eating, to stop breathing, to stop being a gorilla.

"I promise, Stella," I say. "I promise it on my word as a silverback."

Review Excerpts:

• 2013 Newbery Medal Winner
• #1 New York Times Bestseller
• Texas Bluebonnet Award Nominee
• From Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "How Ivan confronts his harrowing past yet stays true to his nature exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage. … Utterly believable, this bittersweet story, complete with an author's note identifying the real Ivan, will inspire a new generation of advocates."
• From School Library Journal (starred review) "Applegate makes a powerful statement about the treatment of animals–especially those living in captivity–and reminds readers that all creatures deserve a safe place to call home. Castelao's delightful illustrations enhance this lovely story, and the characters will capture readers' hearts and never let go. A must-have."
• From The Horn Book- "The choice to tell this story in the first person and to personify the gorilla with an entire range of human thoughts, feelings, and emotions poses important questions to the reader, not only about what it means to be human but also about what it means to be a living creature, and what kind of kinship we all share. An author’s note describes the true incident that inspired this story and includes more information about the real Ivan."

Connections:

Have students visit the The One and Only Ivan website (http://theoneandonlyivan.com/) where they can watch a dramatic book trailer and learn about the real Ivan's story. They can also learn about author Katherine Applegate and see where she will be making appearances.

Listen to some of the backstory about Ivan from author Katherine Applegate and listen to her read an excerpt from the book (http://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=7533&a=1).

Have students research and write a report or a presentation about the mountain gorilla and investigate how they can help the gorilla population. Students can visit www.gorillas.org to learn about efforts to protect gorillas.

Have students investigate friendships between unlikely animal friends and share what they find with classmates. This can include books, photos, or videos.

Gather other nonfiction books about gorillas to share with students:
Gorillas by Seymour Simon ISBN 9780060891015
Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate ISBN 9780544252301
Face to Face With Gorillas by Michael Nichols ISBN 9781426304064
Gorilla Doctors: Saving Endangered Great Apes by Pamela S. Turner ISBN 9780547014333
Eyewitness Books: Gorilla, Monkey, & Ape ISBN 9780789460363