I LOVED this book. Yes, it’s for people 8 years old and up, what about it?
From the book description:
Ivan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.
Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But mostly Ivan thinks about art and how to capture the taste of a mango or the sound of leaves with color and a well-placed line.
Then he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family, and she makes Ivan see their home—and his own art—through new eyes. When Ruby arrives, change comes with her, and it’s up to Ivan to make it a change for the better.
Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create Ivan’s unforgettable first-person narration in a story of friendship, art, and hope.
Yes, it’s a story told by a gorilla, but it’s beautiful and touching and wonderful in every way. I bought it primarily to encourage my 11 year old reluctant reader, and it totally worked. It’s the first novel I’ve ever seen her hide under the covers with a light to read. We originally bought the e-version but I loved it so much, I bought the hardback to loan to my friends. My ADULT friends.
If you’re looking for an easy read for you or your 8+ year old, click HERE.
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