The One and Only Ivan

I read a couple of books this summer that really touched me.  They made me really think about the world and the way we treat all living things.  Since I still think about the books and the message they give to readers, they must have really meant something to me. 

The first book I will discuss is The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate.  Last spring, I went to a conference and listened to Mrs. Applegate talk about how and why she wrote this book.  I was very curious, so I put it on my summer reading list. It was well worth it!!!

Although Ivan is a real gorilla and the basics of the story are based on Ivan's life, she did add elements to the story that are not true.  That makes this book a work of fiction.

The real Ivan passed away the week school started and I was so glad I had read the book before he passed.  If you would like to learn more about Ivan's life, you can click here.

Just to show you how much this book changed the way I think about caging wild animals for our amusement, a couple of weeks ago I did something very out of character for me.  There was a circus in the shopping center mall and as I drove down the street I yelled out my window "FREE THE ELEPHANTS...FREE THE GORILLAS!!"  Needless to say, my son was very embarrassed to be in the car with me. 

Just read the book and you will understand!