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Ivan: A Gorilla's True Story — Content Guide for Parents

By Katherine ApplegateHarperCollins Publishers2020-06-23ISBN 978035841746040 pages
Ivan: A Gorilla's True Story

Themes present

Violence
Scary content
Profanity

Not found

Religious themesRacial/cultural contentClimate changeSexual identityGender rolesLGBTQ+ themes

Content themes

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Religious themes

PRESENT

Contains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.

About this book

The real-life inspiration for The One and Only Ivan. A gorilla captured as a baby, Ivan was brought to a Tacoma, Washington mall to attract shoppers. Gradually, public pressure built until a better way of life for Ivan was found at Zoo Atlanta. From the Congo to America, and from a local business attraction to a national symbol of animal welfare, Ivan the Shopping Mall Gorilla traveled an astonishing distance in miles and in impact. In a spare, powerful text and evocative illustrations, Newbery medalist Katherine Applegate and artist G. Brian Karas present the extraordinary real story of this special gorilla.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Ivan: A Gorilla's True Story appropriate for a 7-year-old?

    The book includes references to violence in Ivan's backstory, such as his capture and the killing of his family by poachers. These elements are presented in a way that highlights the cruelty of his past but may be distressing for younger readers. The narrative contains elements that may be frightening for younger readers, such as Ivan's recollections of his capture and the violent deaths of his family members. These moments are described in a way that could evoke fear or distress.

  • Does Ivan: A Gorilla's True Story have violence?

    The book includes references to violence in Ivan's backstory, such as his capture and the killing of his family by poachers. These elements are presented in a way that highlights the cruelty of his past but may be distressing for younger readers.

  • Does Ivan: A Gorilla's True Story have scary content?

    The narrative contains elements that may be frightening for younger readers, such as Ivan's recollections of his capture and the violent deaths of his family members. These moments are described in a way that could evoke fear or distress.

  • Does Ivan: A Gorilla's True Story have religious themes?

    No religious content in the book itself. The search results do not indicate any religious themes or practices in the narrative.

  • Does Ivan: A Gorilla's True Story have racial/cultural content?

    The book does not address race as a central theme. It focuses on Ivan's story as a gorilla without delving into racial dynamics or issues.

  • Does Ivan: A Gorilla's True Story have profanity?

    The book includes the term 'me-balls' used by Ivan to describe the excrement he throws at rude visitors. This term is presented in a humorous context but may be considered crude language.

  • Does Ivan: A Gorilla's True Story have climate change?

    No climate themes are present in the book. The narrative centers around animal welfare and Ivan's story rather than environmental issues.

  • Does Ivan: A Gorilla's True Story have sexual identity?

    No sexual content is present in the book. The narrative focuses on Ivan's life and experiences without any mention of sexual themes.

  • Does Ivan: A Gorilla's True Story have gender roles?

    The book does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. The focus is on Ivan's experiences and does not engage with themes related to gender expectations.

  • Does Ivan: A Gorilla's True Story have lgbtq+ themes?

    No LGBTQ+ themes are present in the book. The search results focus on the true story of Ivan the gorilla and do not mention any LGBTQ+ content.