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The One and Only Ivan is a children’s novel by Katherine Applegate, inspired by the true story of a gorilla named Ivan who lived in captivity for 27 years in a shopping mall before being moved to a zoo. The story is told from Ivan’s perspective, offering a touching and thought-provoking look at friendship, freedom, and the power of art and hope.

It explores themes like empathy, animal rights, and the importance of understanding others’ experiences. The book won the Newbery Medal in 2013 and was later adapted into a film by Disney.