LES Media Center - The One and Only Ivan

What is One School One Book?

One School One Book is a unique opportunity for students, teachers, and parents to come together, read the same book, and reflect on its themes and messages.

The research is clear: the best way to prepare children to become strong readers and lifelong learners is by reading aloud to them. Pairing a quality book with engaging activities makes the experience even more enjoyable and effective.

Build strong family reading habits by joining the entire school community in reading together each night for several weeks. When paired with a great book and a shared experience, reading aloud as a family naturally becomes a cherished part of the nightly routine.

Audio Files

Discussion Questions

Author Website

Learn About Ivan

What book are we reading?

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate is a heartwarming novel inspired by a true story. It follows Ivan, a silverback gorilla who has spent most of his life in captivity at a shopping mall. He spends his days watching TV, painting, and talking to his friends—a wise elephant named Stella and a stray dog named Bob.

When a baby elephant named Ruby arrives, Ivan realizes she deserves a better life than captivity. With the help of his friends, he makes a promise to protect her and finds a way to bring about change. The story explores themes of friendship, hope, and the importance of freedom.

Calendars

Reading Guide Structure

Separate Calendars for English and Spanish Versions
Each calendar will display the pages to read for each night, corresponding to either the English or Spanish version.
Identical Content, Different Page Numbers
Since the content is the same but the page numbers differ, we'll list which pages to read on each night for each version.

OSOB--One and Only Ivan Student Calendar

Spanish OSOB--OOI FebruaryStudent Calendar

OSOB--One and Only Ivan March Student Calendar

Spanish OSOB--OOI March Student Calendar