Katherine Applegate
Harper Collins, 2012
304 pages
Grades 3-7
Animal Fiction
Ivan the Gorilla lives in a human habitat called the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade with animal friends Stella, the elderly elephant, and Bob, the zippy terrier mix. He also has a human friend, Julia, the daughter of custodian George, and a complicated relationship with the mall's owner and operator, Mack. Life is pretty much the same for Ivan, day in and day out. There is a constant flow of people throwing junk food into his cage, shows to perform, and artwork to create for Mack to sell. When Ruby, an elephant youth, joins the crew at the mall, Ivan begins to question their existence and wonder if there could be a better life out there. A television shows nature programs of animals in the wild and Ivan slowly begins to remember his past through telling Ruby stories. Is there a way for Ivan to get himself and his friends out of the situation in which they are trapped? How can a silverback gorilla communicate with humans if he has no speech and is stuck in a cage?
I originally read this book when it came out in 2012 and was lukewarm about it. I found the story to be agenda-driven and too serious for kids. It went on to win the Newbery Medal and upon further reading and reflection, I think I was wrong. Kids, especially animal lovers, respond strongly to this book and request it often. In the time since 2012 serious and sad problem novels have trended, making the conditions that Ivan finds himself pulling at heartstrings in an acceptable and desired way. There is some gentle humor--mostly from Ivan's pal Bob, the subject of the sequel that came out last year. This book reads like poetry and every word is carefully chosen. Applegate is conscious of her white space and gives the reader moments to breath and reflect upon important bits of the text. Even though the book appears to be on the long-side, it reads quickly and even offers a few black and white illustrations along the way. Young sensitive readers may be affected by the brutal living conditions Ivan and his pals are subjected to, yet the ending is hopeful and happy. An author's note at the end separates fact from fiction and may inspire animal lovers to become activists.
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