A very poignant and moving young adult novel is on sale today only for $1.99: The One And Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate, author of the very popular Home of the Brave, and Roscoe Riley series of chapter books for younger kids.
The One And Only Ivan (4.5/5 stars, ages 8 and up, priced at $1.99 today only) – From Amazon:
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Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.
Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line.
Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home—and his own art—through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it’s up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.
Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan’s unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope.
Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, October 15, 2011: “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 the first page to the last, you will hope, cry and rejoice with Ivan and his friends. This truly is a ‘One and Only Novel’!” (Becky Anderson, Anderson’s Bookshop)
“The One and Only Ivan will break your heart–and then, against all odds, mend it again. Such a gentle fantasy is rare; such an evocation of our need to grow, to be free, to become our best selves, is rarer still.” (Gary D. Schmidt, Newbery Honor author of The Wednesday Wars)
“Kindness and its ability to change lives shines through on every single page of this book. . . Katherine Applegate’s beautiful, life-affirming story will soar directly from Ivan’s heart into your own.” (Kathi Appelt, Newbery Honor author of The Underneath)
“Beautifully written, intelligent, and brave, this story is life-changing.” (Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery Medalist, Sarah, Plain and Tall)
A must have. (School Library Journal (starred review) )
Extraordinary. (Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review) )
Utterly believable, this bittersweet story, complete with an author’s note identifying the real Ivan, will inspire a new generation of advocates. (Kirkus Reviews (starred review) )
Discover an animal hero that will take his place with other courageous and beloved animals such as Babe, Mrs. Frisby, Charlotte and Wilbur. Adults reading this aloud with children will find it just as rewarding. (Shelf Awareness )
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The One And Only Ivan – get it today, while it’s just $1.99.