The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

I've actually read this book about three times, each at a different age and stage of life. Earlier, I just thought it was a nice little animal book about circus animals going to a zoo (which is technically correct), but the latest time that I've read this, it's had a whole new meaning. Ivan is probably one of my favorite characters, because he learns to care despite everything he's gone through and how much of his life he's been deprived of. The simple stanzas and lines that Ivan says has all the more effect on me, and I even cried when he said he couldn't let Ruby be another One and Only. The suffering and the hope in this book is honestly just immaculate. I really appreciate the author for delivering such a message in such a powerful and simple way.

​Reviewed by: Baguette Mendez