Book Club 4th-5th grade: The One & Only Ivan

Coordinator:  Sylvia Baker

Grades: 4th-5th grade

Book: The One & Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

For questions and comments, please use this forum: https://www.thehomeschoolcouncil.org/forum/book-club

Book Description:

Inspired by the true story of a gorilla who, after more than a quarter century of captivity in a tourist trap, was moved to Zoo Atlanta and was renowned for his art. In this fictional story, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him and hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, he occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. But when Ivan meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes.

Disclaimers about book’s content:  none

Discussion Topics: Compassion, keeping our promises, the importance of friendship

Questions for students:

1. Have you visited the zoo? If so, what was your favorite animal?
2. Why are zoos and aquariums important for conservation?
3. Have you ever done something that you thought was ok until someone pointed out that it was wasn’t? How did it make you feel?

Materials students need to bring:  none

Activity, craft, or game: Like Ivan, paint a picture showing a place you want to visit or would like to live