What This Book Is About
Ivan is a silverback gorilla who has spent twenty-seven years behind the glass walls of a cage in a shabby shopping mall, performing tricks for dwindling crowds. He barely remembers the jungle where he was born, and he has long since stopped thinking about freedom. He fills his days drawing pictures with crayons, watching television, and chatting with his friends—Stella, a wise old elephant with a bad foot, and Bob, a stray dog who sleeps on Ivan's belly every night.
Everything changes when a baby elephant named Ruby arrives at the mall. Stella makes Ivan promise to protect her, and that promise sets in motion a plan so daring it will require every ounce of Ivan's creativity, courage, and one very important painting. Based on the true story of a real gorilla who lived in a Tacoma, Washington mall for nearly three decades, The One and Only Ivan is told entirely in Ivan's own gentle, observant voice—short poetic chapters that are deceptively simple yet quietly devastating. Winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal and adapted into a Disney+ film, it is a story about friendship, art, and the meaning of home.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
Ivan's story speaks directly to UWC's values of compassion and environmental stewardship. Through Ivan's eyes, young readers experience what it means to be confined, to lose your identity, and to find the courage to fight for someone else's freedom—themes that connect naturally to discussions about animal rights, conservation, and empathy that feature prominently in the Grade 3 curriculum.
The writing style is also a perfect match for A2 readers. Applegate uses short, declarative sentences and first-person narration that feels almost like poetry, making the book highly accessible while still introducing sophisticated ideas about perspective and voice. For students at Singapore's international schools, where many children are still building reading confidence in English, this combination of emotional depth and linguistic simplicity is exactly what builds lifelong readers.
Reading Level Guide
Building toward this book. The short chapters help, but 336 pages is a big commitment at A1. Try Mercy Watson or Owl Diaries first.
Perfect difficulty. The simple, poetic language is accessible, and the emotional story keeps you turning pages.
A comfortable read at B1. The emotional depth still rewards older readers. Try the sequel, The One and Only Bob.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.