2/15/13.
I read this in one big gulp. It’s very simply told making it accessible to challenged or reluctant readers; but make no mistake, it is deep and compelling. Slightly reminiscent of “Not Everyone Can Be a Rattle Snake”, it questions the human assumption of superiority over other animals. This is based on a true story, linking it to other recent amazing stories of animal intelligence and friendships,where it seems the lessons are more about ourselves than the other creatures in the book. Ivan is an imprisoned gorilla who lives in captivity (in a cage at a shopping mall) for twenty seven years before being moved to a zoo. It’s incredible that we humans get away with such outrages; but perhaps even more so that this book manages to be hopeful,and it does. It’s wonderful and empowering that the pivotal character is a child, Julia, who understands the gorilla, who is trying to save a baby elephant. It makes me want to chant “go kids”, read it, believe it and make a difference!