About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is starting to ask big questions about fairness, animal welfare, or the ethics of how we treat those who cannot speak for themselves. This Newbery Medal winner follows Ivan, a silverback gorilla who has lived in a shopping mall cage for decades, as he finds his voice through art to save a baby elephant. It is a profound meditation on empathy and the power of a promise. While the story handles heavy themes like captivity and the loss of a friend, it is written in a gentle, sparse poetic style that makes the weight manageable for middle-grade readers. Parents will appreciate how it encourages children to look past the surface of their surroundings and realize that even one small act of creativity can spark a movement for justice. It is an ideal choice for fostering deep emotional intelligence and a sense of advocacy.
