The American Library Association just announced the winner of the 2012 Newberry Medal, and the winner is:
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate (author of
Home of the Brave). I don't always agree with the committee, thinking that the books they choose aren't really worth the award, but I have to say, I love this book. This is the story of Ivan, a silver back gorilla living in a glass cage in a circus themed mall. Ivan is the narrator of the story, which gives us an interesting perspective on events. When the aging elephant who is on display with him at the mall, dies from neglect, Ivan's eyes are opened to the deplorable conditions they have been living in. He soon forms a plan to escape with the new baby elephant that has arrived at the mall before anything else bad can happen. This tale was inspired by actual events, and will leave you thinking about the ethical issues surrounding animals in captivity. Enjoy, and let me know what you think in the comments section below!
Kirkus Reviews starred (October 15, 2011)
How Ivan confronts his harrowing past yet stays true to his nature
exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage. Living in a
"domain" of glass, metal and cement at the Big Top Mall, Ivan sometimes
forgets whether to act like a gorilla or a human--except Ivan does not
think much of humans. He describes their behavior as frantic, whereas he
is a peaceful artist. Fittingly, Ivan narrates his tale in short,
image-rich sentences and acute, sometimes humorous, observations that
are all the more heartbreaking for their simple delivery. His sorrow is
palpable, but he stoically endures the cruelty of humans until Ruby the
baby elephant is abused. In a pivotal scene, Ivan finally admits his
domain is a cage, and, rather than let Ruby live and die in grim
circumstances, he promises to save her. In order to express his plea in a
painting, Ivan must bravely face buried memories of the lush jungle,
his family and their brutal murder, which is recounted in a brief,
powerful chapter sure to arouse readers' passions. In a compelling
ending, the more challenging question Applegate poses is whether or not
Ivan will remember what it was like to be a gorilla. Spot art captures
poignant moments throughout. Utterly believable, this bittersweet story,
complete with an author's note identifying the real Ivan, will inspire a
new generation of advocates.
