The One And Only Ivan

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. Do humans have a responsibility to care for animals? What are some fundamental rights that all animals should have?

Teaching Suggestion: Ivan leads a dull existence in a cage at the Big Top Mall. Ivan’s caretaker, Mack, often cuts corners in his care for the animals at the mall because of his financial and emotional hardships. When Ivan promises to protect Ruby, a baby elephant recently added to Mack’s animal collection, he feels obligated to help Ruby find a better home. Consider asking students to analyze the treatment of animals in cages, in the wild, and in zoos to reflect on the rights and needs of animals and the responsibility humans have toward the care of animals. Students may find it beneficial to record thoughts and reflect on or add to their analysis of The Relationship Between Humans and Animals as the novel progresses.

• This article from Britannica explores the complications of animal rights and treatment.
• This article from National Geographic explores the evolution of the treatment of animals in zoos.

2. What are the potential dangers and struggles of private organizations keeping wild animals? How might some people be ill-equipped to care for wild animals?

Teaching Suggestion: The One and Only Ivan is based on the true story of a gorilla named Ivan, who was raised in captivity before being relocated to the Atlanta Zoo. Consider asking the questions to analyze potential problems that may arise for animals raised in captivity, and then consider using the resources below to discover the real story behind The One and Only Ivan. Students can use the true story of Ivan to make predictions about important events in the novel. Consider creating a chart to compare the real Ivan’s story to the fictional Ivan in Applegate’s novel.

• This NPR interview with Katherine Applegate explores the inspiration for Applegate’s The One and Only Ivan.
• This 8-minute video describes Ivan’s habits and lifestyle after he was sent to the Atlanta Zoo.

Personal Connection Prompt

This prompt can be used for in-class discussion, exploratory free-writing, or reflection homework before reading the text.

Consider a time in which you used art to convey an important message or express an emotion. How can art be valuable in communicating complicated feelings or messages? What examples of art have had an emotional impact on you?

Teaching Suggestion: Ivan has always considered himself an artist, but his artistry plays a significant role in the novel when he must convey an important message to a fellow artist to free Ruby from captivity. Consider using the questions to explore the importance of art in sharing timely messages.