The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a heartwarming story about a gorilla named Ivan who started his life in the jungle of Africa. As a young gorilla he remembers playing tag with his twin sister. Then one day humans come and take him away and he ends up being raised as a human baby with Mack and Helen. Ivan enjoys driving around in their convertible, living the life of a human, eating all kinds of food and watching TV but he wishes for the warmth of another gorilla. Mack brings him to a small mall along the interstate that has a pony ride and he is instantly a tourist attraction where people can get their pictures taken with him. Ivan now remains in his domain (his cage) as he has gotten too big. He didn't realize he would be there so long. Now 27 years later, he promises a dying friend that he will help get the new baby elephant out so she won't die in the cage. Ivan is not sure how he will do such a thing. He hopes his human friend, Julia, will be able to help.

An enjoyable book to read that will be sure to have a shiny sticker on it one day.

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