Ivan loves to paint. He can remember making designs on his mother's

back as a young ape, and now Max sells the pictures that Ivan creates each day. The custodian's daughter also loves to paint and shares her supplies with Ivan, giving him new ways to express his experiences.Yet life at the animal show is becoming increasingly distressing. Stella has an infection on her foot that Max ignores because he is low on money. When he purchases a baby elephant to revive interest in the show, both Stella and Ivan are concerned about how he is treating this gentle youngster. Encouraged by Bob, the stray dog, and inspired by Stella, Ivan begins to imagine rescuing not only the baby elephant but himself. Perhaps his painting is the key. Maybe he can use it to change the animals' lives forever.

These unforgettable characters overflow with pain and love in an

ultimately hopeful story about the healing power of art.

Inspired by the true story of a gorilla who spent 30 years alone in a cage at an indoor zoo in a mall, this beautiful book imagines what that gorilla might have felt and said about his life. Ivan does not dwell on his memories as does his friend Stella, an elderly elephant in the cage next door. Still, he remembers his life with his family in the jungle, the death of his sister, and his early days being raised by Max, the owner of the animal show. He also has memories from his long, lonely interment with only a television, a stuffed animal, and a stray dog who sneaks into his concrete cage to sleep on his chest for company.

All About the Book

This novel was inspired by Ivan the silverback gorilla who lived in a Washington State mall. Ivan resided there in a small cage for nearly three decades before he was moved to Zoo Atlanta in 1994.

As an infant Ivan was captured alongwith his alleged twin – she died on route to the United States. Once Ivan arrived he was raised by humans in a household environment. When he became too big he was moved to the circus-themed mall. At the mall he spent twenty-sevenyears alone in a concrete cage. Prior to moving to Zoo Atlanta, Ivan had never been around his own kind.

The longer Ivan stayed at the mall the public discomfort also increased. People were learning more about primate behaviour and could see that Ivan was lonely and not being cared for in a socially acceptable way. Ivan was featured on a National Geography special entitled “The Urban Gorilla.” The airing of this special prompted a public outcry and when the mall later went bankrupt, Ivan went on “permanent loan to Zoo Atlanta.”

At the Zoo Ivan became a celebrity especially for his paintings which he signed with his thumbprint. Ivan died at the age of 50 in August of 2012. He was an inspiration for many and now his biograph story can live on in print form for many years to come.

All About the Real Ivan

Pre-Reading: Make a PredictionBased on what you have read about the book and the real Ivan, write a prediction on what do you think will happen in this book. You must have at least 5 complete sentences.

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Understanding the Story Section 1: Hello – A Plan

A Little Extra!

What do you think of places like circuses and zoos that lock up animals for peoples’ enjoyment?

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Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella

1. What does Stella call the chains she wore in her youth?

(a) Bracelets.(b) Metal strings.(c) Snakes.(d) Leg scratchers.

2. Ivan describes himself as an:

(a) Acrobat.(b) Artist.(c) Astronaut.(d) Athlete.

3. Ivan is a silverback gorilla. What do we learn about silverback gorillas in these chapters?

4. What does Ivan think of humans?

6

Chapter SummarySection 1: Hello – A Plan

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1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?

2. What happens in these chapters?

4. What new words did you learn in these chapters?

5. Draw a picture of something you think represents these chapters.

3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella 7

Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________

Understanding the Story Section 2: Bob – Jambo

A Little Extra!

Stella notes that memories are precious and that they, “help tell us who we are”. Do you agree? Explain your answer.

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Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella

1. What is Julia’s favorite thing to do?

(a) Sing.(b) Draw. (c) Do homework.(d) Nap.

2. Mack gives Ivan a new black crayon. After much thought, what does Ivan decide to draw?

(a) The tire swing.(b) His foot.(c) A beetle.(d) Nothing, he eats the crayon.

3. Stella and the other animals sense that a new animal will be arriving soon. Stella tells Ivan and Bob that it will be a baby elephant and Ivan replies that that is what she is hoping for. Stella closes her eyes and softly replies, “...not hoping. Not at all.” What do you think Stella is thinking about when she says this?

4. Ivan notes that he looks angry in the picture on the faded billboard and sad in the pictures that Julia draws of him. Based on what you have read so far, is Ivan an angry gorilla? Is he a sad gorilla? Use at least two examples from the story in your answer.

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Chapter SummarySection 2: Bob – Jambo

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1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?

2. What happens in these chapters?

4. What new words did you learn in these chapters?

5. Draw a picture of something you think represents these chapters.

3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella 11

Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________

Understanding the Story Section 3: Lucky – The Parking Lot

A Little Extra!

How does Ivan feel right after Ruby arrives?

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Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella

1. The mall gets a “new arrival”. What is it?

(a) A baby gorilla.(b) A baby seal.(c) A baby elephant.(d) A baby boy.

2. How does Ivan feel when he is drawing a picture?

(a) Tired.(b) Quiet inside.(c) Anxious and confused.(d) A little self-conscious.

3. Mack is having money troubles. How does he try to attract new customers in this section?

4. A worrisome change has come over Stella. What is different about Stella’s behavior and what is causing this change?

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Chapter SummarySection 3: Lucky – The Parking Lot

Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________

1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?

2. What happens in these chapters?

4. What new words did you learn in these chapters?

5. Draw a picture of something you think represents these chapters.

3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella 15

Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________

Understanding the Story Section 4: Ruby’s Story – Hunger

A Little Extra!

Have you ever visited a place with wild animals, like a zoo or circus? Describe your experience.

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Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella

1. What was Ivan’s twin sister’s name?

(a) Ivana.(b) Banana.(c) Big girl.(d) Tag.

2. Who dies in “Knowing”?

(a) George.(b) Stella.(c) Bob.(d) Mac.

3. What does Stella make Ivan promise to do in “The Promise”?

4. During this section, Ruby is conflicted about her feelings towards humans. Why does she feel this way?

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Chapter SummarySection 4: Ruby’s Story – Hunger

Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________

1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?

2. What happens in these chapters?

4. What new words did you learn in these chapters?

5. Draw a picture of something you think represents these chapters.

3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella 19

Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________

Understanding the Story Section 5: Still Life – How

A Little Extra!

In “My Place”, Ivan questions whether he is a human or a gorilla. Why does he wonder this?

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Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella

1. What is the present Julia gives to Ivan that he tries to eat?

(a) A soft paintbrush.(b) A rubber ball.(c) Finger paints.(d) A pair of headphones.

2. When Mack tries to hit Ruby with the claw stick, what does she do?

(a) She cries.(b) She runs away from him.(c) She sneezes.(d) She smacks him with her trunk.

3. What does Mack’s treatment of Ruby in “A New Beginning” tell us about his character? Why might he be treating Ruby this way?

4. How did Ivan feel about his domain at the mall when he first moved in? How have his feelings about his domain changed over time?

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Chapter SummarySection 5: Still Life – How

Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________

1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?

2. What happens in these chapters?

4. What new words did you learn in these chapters?

5. Draw a picture of something you think represents these chapters.

3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella 23

Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________

Understanding the Story Section 6: Remembering – Showing Julia

A Little Extra!

In “Twelve”, Julia asks her father, “If I’m going to be an artist when I grow up, why do I need to know how to spell?” How would you answer Julia if she were to ask you this question?

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Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella

1. What is the name of Ivan’s stuffed toy gorilla?

(a) Not-Tag.(b) Buster.(c) Jungle Jim.(d) Ivan 2.0.

2. In “Going Nowhere”, what does Mack do to save money?

(a) He takes away Ivan’s T.V. to cut-down on electricity.(b) He fires George.(c) He feeds Ivan and Ruby spoilt food that he found in the dumpsters.(d) He cuts back on food for the animals and turns the heat off at night.

3. In “Bad Guys”, Ivan imagines what it would be like to be a sheriff. Why does Ivan wish to be a sheriff?

4. Describe what Ivan plans to do to save Ruby.

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Chapter SummarySection 6: Remembering – Showing Julia

Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________

1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?

2. What happens in these chapters?

4. What new words did you learn in these chapters?

5. Draw a picture of something you think represents these chapters.

3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella 27

Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________

Understanding the Story Section 7: More Paintings – New Box

A Little Extra!

Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella

1. What is the word Ivan spells with his pile of paintings?

(a) “Love”.(b) “Ivan”.(c) “Home”.(d) “Silverback”.

2. How does Ivan get Julia’s attention when she goes to leave in “Angry”?

(a) He starts painting.(b) He beats his chest.(c) He throws his body at the cage door until it breaks open.(d) He throws food at her through the hole in his cage.

3. How does Julia convince her father to paint the billboard with Ivan’s artwork?

4. How does the public react after watching the T.V. segment about the animals at the mall? What happens as a result of their reaction?

Look over the illustrations in the story. How do they help tell the story? Which ilustration is your favorite and why?

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Chapter SummarySection 7: More Paintings – New Box

Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________

1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?

2. What happens in these chapters?

4. What new words did you learn in these chapters?

5. Draw a picture of something you think represents these chapters.

3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella 31

Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________

Understanding the Story Section 8: Training – What I See

A Little Extra!

Ruby shows courage when she makes the decision to enter the box. Have you ever done something you needed to do, even though you were afraid? Describe your experience.

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Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella

1. What does the lady from the zoo use to get Ruby into the box?

(a) A loud noise.(b) The claw-stick.(c) A hose.(d) A food treat and metal clicker.

2. What will Bob miss when Ivan leaves? (a) Ivan’s smile.(b) Ivan’s jokes.(c) Ivan’s belly.(d) Ivan’s art.

3. Why doesn’t Ivan want to go in the box in “More boxes”?

4. Why do you think the zookeeper shows Ivan the gorillas through the TV set in ”A new tv” and “The family” before he actually meets them?

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Chapter SummarySection 8: Training – What I See

Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________

1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?

2. What happens in these chapters?

4. What new words did you learn in these chapters?

5. Draw a picture of something you think represents these chapters.

3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella 35

Name:____________________________________________ Date:____________________________________________

Understanding the Story Section 9: Still There – Silverback

A Little Extra!

Has this book changed your opinion about keeping wild animals in captivity? If so, how?

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Multiple Choice

Short Answer

Long Answer

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella

1. What game does Ivan play with Kinyani in “It”?

(a) Chess.(b) Dodgeball.(c) Hide and Go Seek.(d) Tag.

2. Who visits Ivan in “Silverback”?

(a) Julia, Bob and George.(b) Ruby.(c) Mack.(d) Mack and Helen.

3. In “More TV”, what compels Ivan to touch his hands to the glass and, with his eyes, say thank you to Maya?

4. The One and Only Ivan won a very important literary award called the Newbery Medal in 2013. In your opinion, is this book deserving of the award? Why or why not?

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Chapter SummarySection 9: Still There – Silverback

Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________

1. If you were to give a title to this section of the book, what would it be?

2. What happens in these chapters?

4. What new words did you learn in these chapters?

5. Draw a picture of something you think represents these chapters.

3. What is your favorite part of this section of the book?

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella 39

Name:____________________________________________ Date:___________________________________________

Time for a Test! The One and Only Ivan

Part A – Multiple Choice

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella

1. Who is Mack?

(a) The janitor at the mall.(b) The boss at the Big Top Mall.(c) Ivan’s veterinarian.(d) A zookeeper.

2. Where is Bob’s favorite sleeping place?

(a) Under the bleachers.(b) Next to the trash cans.(c) On Ivan’s belly.(d) In the washroom.

3. What does Ivan promise Stella just before she dies?

(a) To keep his cage clean.(b) To never stop painting.(c) To keep an eye on Bob.(d) To take care of Ruby.

4. How does Stella die?

(a) He gets a rare disease that no one knows how to treat.(b) She dies of old age.(c) Her foot becomes infected.(d) She starves.

5. Who was pulled out of a well by humans?

(a) Ivan.(b) Bob.(c) Stella.(d) Ruby.

6. Why is George hesitant to put Ivan’s paintings on the billboard?

(a) The ladder might break.(b) The paintings are not very well done.(c) The glue is smelly.(d) Mack will fire him.

7. What does Maya use to get Ruby and Ivan to go inside their boxes?

(a) Food.(b) A leash.(c) A stick.(d) A soft speaking voice.

8. Who plays tag with Ivan near the end of the story?

(a) Bob.(b) Maya.(c) Kinyani.(d) Ruby.

9. Who adopts Bob at the end of the story?

(a) Mack.(b) The owner of a circus.(c) Maya.(d) George and Julia.

40

Name:____________________________________________ Date:__________________________________________

Time for a Test! The One and Only Ivan

Part B – Short Answer1. In the glossary, it states that the silverback gorilla is “responsible for protecting his family”. In this respect, has Ivan acted as a silverback gorilla should?

2. What is the difference between Ivan’s cage at the mall and Ivan’s cage in the zoo?

3. Ivan is an artist. Discuss how Ivan’s artistic nature influences his behavior and choices in the story. How does he use art as a tool?

1. Describe the relationship of one of the following pairs: Ivan and Stella, Ivan and Ruby, Ivan and Mack, Ivan and Julia.

2. How are humans portrayed through the eyes of the animals in the story. Are you surprised that these animal characters feel the way they do about humans? Why or why not?

Part C – Long Answer

The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella 41

Example of Conflict Type of Conflict

Look for some examples of conflict in The One and Only Ivan and add them to the chart below.

Man Versus Man Two or more characters

struggle against each other.

Man Versus Society A character struggles against

a part of society such as a company, religion, school, etc.

Man Versus Nature A character struggles against a force of nature such as the

weather or an animal.

Man Versus Self A character struggles

to overcome his or her own weaknesses.

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What is Conflict?Conflict refers to the problems and challenges that make stories interesting and

move plots along. Conflict is an important part of any story. Below are some of the different conflict types you may encounter as you read.

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The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella 69

1. Describe the setting of The One and Only Ivan. When and where does it take place?

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3. Explain what you have drawn above.

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2. Draw a picture of a setting described in the story.

Story SettingThe setting is the time and/or place in which a story happens.

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The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella 70

Find three examples from the book that supports this as one of the themes.

One theme of The One and Only Ivan is...

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What is a Theme?The theme a central topic or idea of a story. A story can have one or more themes. Some examples of themes are acceptance, cooperation, bravery and determination.

What do you think one theme of The One and Only Ivan is?

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The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella 71

The Main Problem of the Story

Solution Idea 1

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Solution Idea 3

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Solution Idea 2

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Solution Idea 4

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Problem SolvingAn important part of any story is the problem which the main character faces.

Write down the main problem faced in The One and Only Ivan below, then brainstorm some possible solutions to the problem.

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The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella 72

Quotation: ______________________________________________________________________

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Why I chose this quotation: ____________________________________________________

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Why I chose this quotation: ____________________________________________________

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Quotation QuestSkim the novel and write down three favorite quotations, or quotations you think are important to the story.

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The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella 78

Character 1 Character 2

The similarities these characters share

The differences between these characters

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Character 1 Character 2

Character ComparisonChoose two characters from The One and Only Ivan and compare them to each other.

What are their similarities and what are their differences?

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The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella 79

With this passage, what do you hope to persuade your readers to do?

Read this book! Don’t read this book!

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Persuasive WritingTo be persuasive is to be good at convincing people to think a certain way.

Write a persuasive passage in which you try to convince your readers that they should either read or not read The One and Only Ivan. Make sure to include reasons for why you think the story is good or bad using examples from the text. For example, if you tell your readers that the story is

funny, tell them about something funny that happens in the book.

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The One and Only Ivan © The Book Umbrella 77