I don’t know how to write a review for The One and Only Ivan. Trying to come up with the right words for a book that I love so much is hard. The bottom line is that I want every middle grade reader to have access to this book.
A library without Ivan is a library with a hole. The One and Only Ivan is a book that is accessable to most fourth grade readers, at the same time, I feel like sixth and seventh graders will be able to take so much away from Katherine Applegate’s story.
As of today I believe that 7 of my students have read Ivan. The cool thing is that all of them seem to be getting emotional at different parts. Each reader is connecting with the story in their own way. I love this book.
I understand that this isn’t much of a reivew. I’m sorry. Earlier I said that a library without Ivan has a hole. I felt a little like my blog without Ivan also contained a hole. I’m hoping that I’m able to work up the courage to maybe write a more complete review of Ivan in the future (maybe on Nerdy Book Club), but in the meantime, please read The One and Only Ivan. I believe that it is Applegate’s masterpiece.
Right now I’m reading Applegate’s Home of the Brave.
Michael Scotto
February 24, 2012 at 12:06 am
I had the exact same trouble trying to express how strongly I felt about this delicate, wonderful book. So instead of saying anything, I simply handed it to my wife, and watched her fall in love with it out of the corner of my eye.
Colby Sharp
February 24, 2012 at 4:07 pm
Thanks for sharing Ivan with your lovely wife.
Jen V.
February 24, 2012 at 12:12 am
There are a few books lately that I don’t know how I’ll review them. Part of me wishes there was a 5 ++++ star rating on GoodReads because they are that good. There are just so many reasons to love The One and Only Ivan that is makes it hard to start…and then once we start, it’s hard to write a review that’s coherent and logical and doesn’t consist of me simply screaming I LOVE THIS BOOK! I’m totally with you.
Colby Sharp
February 24, 2012 at 4:06 pm
I really wish we would have used this book for our book club. Their is so much to talk about.
Abi Kurfman (@MsKurf)
February 24, 2012 at 12:56 am
Since I read books when you say, “It was amazing!” or “I cried!” or “Every middle grade reader should have access to this!”, this was a great review in my opinion.
Colby Sharp
February 24, 2012 at 4:06 pm
Ivan is my favorite 2012 book…so far.
The Styling Librarian
February 24, 2012 at 1:31 am
I adored reading The One and Only Ivan, sharing it with my 5th graders this week. So touching. I adored reading Home of the Brave. Such a brilliant, impacting read that I still remember poignant moments of after 1 1/2 years…
Carol
February 24, 2012 at 6:14 am
OK, I know what book I am buying for my birthday next week!
John
February 24, 2012 at 2:08 pm
I love what Becky Anderson said about Ivan: “This truly is a ‘One and Only Novel’!”
Colby Sharp
February 24, 2012 at 4:07 pm
I hope everyone reads Ivan. Might be my first 2012 reread.
Paul W. Hankins
February 26, 2012 at 2:18 pm
I just got a lovely email from Katherine last night for a review we wrote about IVAN last fall. I just knew this and WONDER would be wonderful books early on in the reading year. Now. . .I have to put you and all of our friends on a little book coming out in May called SWAY. It will be the next buzz book, my friend.
Jennifer Barstow Malinowski
February 26, 2012 at 6:13 pm
I have heard such amazing things about this book from numerous people. I must read this soon! Thanks, Colby!
Jennifer @5MinutesforBooks
February 29, 2012 at 9:55 pm
I just reviewed this one this week too. Loved it. 5 Stars. I think that it’s one of those emotionally resonant books that we want to be popular, but I think that this one truly will be. Like you said, there’s so much there to connect with.