The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan
By Katherine Applegate
Published by Harper Collins (2012)

Newberry Medal Winner 2013

Ivan is a gorilla who lives at a mall for many years. He doesn't even think of his life back in the jungle, but rather watches TV, paints, and hangs with his friends Stella and Bob. Soon Ivan meets Ruby, a small elephant who makes him see his life in a new way. The heartwarming book has themes of friendship, art, and hope. I would recommend this book as a class read aloud because it is such a crowd favorite! There are many resources available to help incorporate the book into your classroom!

Check out this link to great classroom ideas from Pinterest.

Check out the website and book trailer below!

Applegate, K. (2012). The one and only Ivan. New York: Harper.

Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures

Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures
By Kate DiCamillo
Illustrated by K.G. Campbell
Published by Candlewick Press 2013

Newberry Medal Winner 2014

Kate DiCamillo is one of my all time favorite children's authors. With all her awards, many would find it hard to disagree that she is one of the best. If you aren't familiar with Kate check out her website to learn more!

If you want a good laugh for both you and your students, Flora and Ulysses is the book for you.  Flora and Ulysses tell the wild adventure of a squirrel with magical powers and his cynical friend Flora Belle Buckman. Flora befriends the poor squirrel who is vacuumed up by her neighbor, Mrs. Tickham’s powerful vacuum. She names him Ulysses, after the multi-terrain vacuum that sucked him up. Flora’s mother, an avid writer, is not pleased with having a squirrel in the house, but Flora claims that Ulysses is a super hero and her friend. Flora’s mother does not believe and plans to kill the squirrel. Mrs. Tickman believes Flora and tries to help her. Mrs. Tickman’s great nephew, a young man Flora’s age, joins the fun and develops feelings for Flora. Flora initially despises him, but soon grows to appreciate his presence. Flora’s father supports his daughter and her superhero-squirrel friend. The three of them go on a wild adventure that includes a diner disaster and a run in with a special cat and so –called “Dr.” Meescham. Throughout the novel, Flora joins forces with Ulysses to conquer evil. The two develop a strong friendship and defy odds to remain together even after Flora’s mother kidnaps Ulysses and tries to kill him with a shovel. After all the commotion and evil-fighting, all come to see Ulysses as a superhero who manages to bring all of Flora’s loved ones into her life again. He also manages to turn her from a cynic to one who sees love in the world.

The novel also contains black and white pictures, and reads like a graphic novel in some places. The illustrations greatly enhance the writing and make the story come alive in your mind. It would also be beneficial for visual learners. This novel would be a great read aloud for a young classroom, or could be a great classroom book for a unit study. I could easily read this book over and over and I would still laugh each time. 

For more resources check out the Flora and Ulysses Website here!

DiCamillo, K., & Campbell, K. G. (2013). Flora & Ulysses: The illuminated adventures.