- This is the nonfiction account of Ivan told with beautiful illustrations.
- It describes how Ivan was brought to a shopping mall to attract visitors and how the customers' curiosity turned to pity and outrage.
- Eventually this outrage motivated people to demand that Ivan be moved to a better habitat.
- Katherine Applegate won a Newberry Medal for The One and Only Ivan which she was inspired to write after reading the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, the Shopping Mall Gorilla.
- In this powerful and moving story, Ivan finds his voice and makes positive change.
- Applegate also adapted the story of Ivan into a beautifully illustrated picture book, Ivan, The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla.
- Applegate wrote Crenshaw after visiting a school for homeless children in San Diego.
- The story is narrated by Jackson, a fifth grader, whose family constantly teeters on the brink of homelessness.
- Jackson is reunited with an early childhood friend, Crenshaw, a large, outspoken, imaginary cat, who ultimately helps Jackson find his voice and inner strength.