Utterly believable, this bittersweet story, complete with an author’s note identifying the real Ivan, will inspire a new...
How Ivan confronts his harrowing past yet stays true to his nature exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage.
Living in a "domain" of glass, metal and cement at the Big Top Mall, Ivan sometimes forgets whether to act like a gorilla or a human—except Ivan does not think much of humans. He describes their behavior as frantic, whereas he is a peaceful artist. Fittingly, Ivan narrates his tale in short, image-rich sentences and acute, sometimes humorous, observations that are all the more heartbreaking for their simple delivery. His sorrow is palpable, but he stoically endures the cruelty of humans until Ruby the baby elephant is abused. In a pivotal scene, Ivan finally admits his domain is a cage, and rather than let Ruby live and die in grim circumstances, he promises to save her. In order to express his plea in a painting, Ivan must bravely face buried memories of the lush jungle, his family and their brutal murder, which is recounted in a brief, powerful chapter sure to arouse readers’ passions. In a compelling ending, the more challenging question Applegate poses is whether or not Ivan will remember what it was like to be a gorilla. Spot art captures poignant moments throughout.
Utterly believable, this bittersweet story, complete with an author’s note identifying the real Ivan, will inspire a new generation of advocates. (author’s note) (Fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Jan. 17, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-06-199225-4
Page Count: 320
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Sept. 27, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2011
BOOK TO SCREEN
BOOK TO SCREEN
BOOK TO SCREEN
For animal lovers, defenders of the environment, and fans of female-powered stories.
A girl and a polar bear forge a unique, loving friendship.
April Wood and her widowed scientist father travel to uninhabited Bear Island in the Arctic, where April’s dad has been commissioned to spend six months studying the effects of global warming on the area. Lonely April hopes to get closer to her distracted father, who still grieves his wife’s loss. Instead, incredibly—as dad had said there were none left—she bonds strongly with the island’s lone, injured polar bear, whom she dubs Bear. How April and Bear become best friends, how she cares for him, learns his ways, and masterminds a harrowing rescue effort to save Bear and deliver him home to Svalbard comprises the bulk of this unusual, amiably written tale. The novel incorporates facts, capably raises awareness about the perils of global warming, and makes a strong case for humans’ negative impact on the Arctic. April is an intelligent, independent, resourceful animal lover who staunchly advocates for the environment. Like-minded readers will relate to her and her desire for positive change in the world—and her yearning for loving relationships. The novel’s conclusion is touching and poignant, but some plot elements strain credulity or feel clichéd, and April’s dad is not a fully realized character. Sparse, unexciting, black-and-white illustrations fail to capture the setting’s grandeur. An author’s note includes information and websites.
For animal lovers, defenders of the environment, and fans of female-powered stories. (Fiction. 9-12)Pub Date: Feb. 2, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-06-304107-3
Page Count: 288
Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: Nov. 16, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Pawsitively charming.
Jo’s little lie of omission becomes a serendipitous opportunity for new friendships.
Already lonely on the first day of summer break, Jo Lin spots a dog walking alone while carrying a basket in its mouth. Intrigued by this scene, Jo follows the dog and is amazed when he visits different stores and is given items from a shopping list. At his last stop, Jo is recognized by some children taking an art class and mistakenly identified as the dog’s owner. Initially Jo tries to correct their mistake, but the promise of new friendship keeps her from telling the truth. She allows the art class to use the dog as their model, calling him Pawcasso. Pawcasso’s increasing notoriety as the shopping dog stirs up attention and prompts a divisive communitywide debate around dog leashing. With each passing day Jo struggles with being honest and potentially losing the new friendships she’s come to value. The bright colors and cartoonlike style reflect the lighthearted tone and whimsical elements of the story. Exaggerated facial expressions and dramatic eyes heighten the humor and add quirky charm. Pawcasso is drawn with warm, expressive features that give him an endearing quality. Details of their home life cue light-skinned, black-haired Jo and her family as Asian; her community is populated with a diverse mix of people.
Pawsitively charming. (ice cream recipe) (Graphic fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: May 25, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-250-77449-1
Page Count: 240
Publisher: Henry Holt
Review Posted Online: March 12, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2021
PERSPECTIVES
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