The+One+and+Only+Ivan

The One and Only Ivan

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 * Each session we will meet to discuss what we have read. Read through these discussion questions and think about how you would answer them. Be prepared to explain your answer with quotes from the book, or your own opinion!**

1. What does Ivan mean when he says, “In my size humans see a test of themselves” (p. 4), and “I am too much gorilla and not enough human” (p. 7)? Why does the sign for the Big Top Mall show Ivan as angry and fierce? Why doesn’t Ivan express any anger in the beginning of the story?

2. What are the characteristics of Stella and Bob that make Ivan call them his best friends? Why is each of them important to Ivan? What do Ivan and Stella have in common? How are they alike, and how are they different? What does Stella mean when she says, “Old age is a powerful disguise” (p. 31)?

3. Discuss the special bond between Julia and Ivan. Why is she different from all the other children who come to see his shows? Why do people pay for Ivan’s drawings if they don’t recognize what he has drawn? Why is Ivan’s art important to Mack? Why is it important to Julia?

4. What is the importance of the television in Ivan’s cage? What does he learn from watching the television? Why does he like Westerns, and what does he learn from the nature shows? What do you learn from television? What would you say is the most important thing television has taught you?

5. Why is Bob so independent? What makes him trust Ivan enough to sleep on Ivan’s stomach? What events in Bob’s life have shaped his personality? How does Bob’s experience with humans compare to Ivan’s?

6. Compare the personalities of Mack and George. How are they alike, and how are they different? What is the meaning of “family” to each of them? What are the contradictions in Mack’s character?

7. What does Stella mean when she says, “A good zoo is how humans make amends” (p. 64)? What is the importance of the story that Stella tells about Jambo (pp. 63-66)? What does it tell us about gorillas? Compare that story to Ruby’s story about the humans who rescued her in the jungle (pp. 101-104). What does this story tell us about some humans?

8. What is Ivan’s initial reaction to the arrival of Ruby? Compare Ruby’s arrival with that of a new baby in a human household. How does her arrival affect all the other animals at the mall? When and why do Ivan’s feelings about Ruby change?

9. Why does Ivan promise Stella that he will take care of Ruby when he knows how hard it will be to keep that promise? How does Ivan know that Stella is gone before anyone else does?

10. Discuss the importance of memory in this story. How does Ivan’s perception change when he begins to remember more of his own history? What are his most vivid memories? What was Ivan’s name in the forest? Why is it important for him to remember his name and his life as a baby gorilla?

11. What is the turning point in the story? When does Ivan start to believe that he will be able to help Ruby, and perhaps himself as well? What events come together to change Ivan’s acceptance of the situation and to help him grow into his own strength and wisdom? How do you know he is changing?

12. How does Julia convince her father that Ivan’s picture has a very important meaning? Why does George agree to help Julia display Ivan’s art on the billboard, even though he knows it might cost him his job? Discuss the meaning of the word “principle.”

13. Why is Ivan reluctant to join the other gorillas when he arrives at the zoo? How does he learn to be a true gorilla? What does he need to do to be accepted by the others? How do you feel when you are in a situation with other children you don’t know?

14. Discuss the theme of belonging in this story, from the point of view of each of the characters. What is the meaning of belonging for each of them? What does the idea of belonging mean to you?

__**Tasks**__

Complete these tasks. All tasks to be completed by end of term,

1. Research as much as you can about Gorillas. Take notes on what you find and come prepared to share your knowledge with the group. While you re researching, come up with three questions you have about gorillas to share as well.

2. Make a Free Ivan poster

3. Make a fact file about gorillas using slides. Use the information you have learned from your research to help you. Make sure you include pictures and titles.

4. Brochure. Make a brochure or pamphlet to advertise a place or event appropriate to the story. Include pictures and information from the story to help you. If it is a brochure about a place, include information about places in the area, accommodation, maps etc.

5. Find out about Dian Fossey. Who was she? What did she do that was so important? Present your work however you choose- a video entry, a glog, a report in docs, or come up with a creative way to present it!

6. Find out about the real Ivan. Make a glog to present your findings.

7. Find out how Zoo's look after their animals. How do they keep them safe, or in conditions suitable for their lives? How do they keep them entertained. Design an enclosure for Ivan and the other gorillas. Build a diorama or make a map, use minecraft, but make sure you explain your enclosure and justify why you have included certain features.