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Quick answer: Good book club questions for The One and Only Ivan focus on ivan, animals and form. Below are 18 questions grouped by theme, with a spoiler-free summary, a characters-and-themes table, meeting ideas and a sample 90-minute plan.
Quick facts
– Book: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
– First published: 2012
– Setting: A shopping-mall circus
– Adaptation: 2020 film
– Content note: Animal mistreatment
The One and Only Ivan is a rewarding choice for a book club because it gives readers plenty to discuss without needing special knowledge. This guide gives you questions you can use as written or adapt for your group, plus ideas for running the meeting, so that a host with little time can still lead a good conversation.
Table of Contents
Spoiler-Free Summary
Ivan, a gorilla, lives in a cage at a shopping-mall circus. When a baby elephant, Ruby, arrives, Ivan promises to help her find a better life and decides to use his art to make it happen.
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Main Characters and Themes
| Character or Theme | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Ivan | The gorilla |
| Ruby | The baby elephant |
| Stella | An old elephant |
| Bob | A stray dog |
Discussion Questions (Contains Spoilers)
These questions assume everyone has finished the book, so they discuss the ending. They are grouped by theme so you can move through them in order or jump to the topic your group cares about most. Feel free to rephrase them, add follow-up questions such as “why do you think so?” and skip any that do not suit your members.
Opening Reactions
- What was your first impression of The One and Only Ivan, and did it change as you read?
- Which scene or passage stayed with you most, and why?
Ivan
- What does Ivan feel?
- What does his art do?
- What did you think of his voice?
- What is his promise?
Animals
- How are animals treated?
- What does the book teach?
- What about zoos?
- What would you change?
Form
- How did the short chapters work?
- What did you think of the ending?
- Is it based on real events?
- Would you recommend it?
Looking Back
- How did the ending of The One and Only Ivan make you feel, and was it the ending you expected?
- Would you recommend this book to a friend, and what would you tell them first?
- If you could ask Katherine Applegate one question, what would it be?
Meeting Ideas
Serve banana bread. Ask members to draw as Ivan would.
A simple way to start is to have each person share a one-sentence rating of the book before discussion begins. It surfaces disagreements early and gives quieter members a chance to speak first. You can also ask each member to bring one question of their own, which often leads to the best conversations of the night.
Ways to Make the Discussion Richer
- Compare formats. If a film, series or stage version of The One and Only Ivan exists, discuss what changes and why.
- Share a favorite line. Ask each person to read a short passage that stood out and explain what it meant to them.
- Cast the book. Ask the group who they would cast in the main roles, and why.
- Rate the pace. Ask where the book felt fastest or slowest, and whether the structure worked for them.
- Pair it with a snack or drink. Food connected to the story gives guests something to talk about before the formal discussion starts.
Tips for Leading the Discussion
- Prepare, but stay flexible. Pick a handful of questions in advance and let the group's reactions guide you.
- Invite quieter voices. Ask someone who has not spoken to share a favorite line or scene.
- Welcome disagreement. A lively debate about a character is a sign that the book is working.
- Return to the text. Ask members to point to a passage in The One and Only Ivan that supports their view.
- Watch the clock. Move on when a question has run its course, and save extra questions for another time.
If your group has only an hour, choose one question from each theme and skip the rest.
Is The One and Only Ivan a Good Book Club Pick?
A good family or classroom pick. Newbery winner.
Books Like This One
- The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate: the sequel
- Charlotte's Web by E. B. White: a classic
How to Structure Your Meeting
A 90-minute meeting works well in four parts:
- Welcome and quick ratings (10 minutes). Settle in and share a one-line reaction.
- Spoiler-free talk (20 minutes). Start with characters, setting and style before the plot.
- Spoiler discussion (45 minutes). Work through three or four of the questions above, letting the conversation wander when it is productive.
- Wrap-up (15 minutes). Share favorite lines, choose the next book and thank the host.
If the conversation is going well, it is fine to let it run long and skip some questions.
After the Meeting
Send a short follow-up message with the next title, the date and a link to any readings or articles that came up. Some groups keep a simple record of books read and ratings, which makes it easier to choose future picks and spot the kinds of books the group loves most.
Related: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate: Summary and Key Takeaways · 15 Books Like The One and Only Ivan You’ll Love
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions should we prepare for The One and Only Ivan?
Five to eight is enough for a 90-minute meeting. This guide gives eighteen, so you can choose the ones that fit your group.
Does The One and Only Ivan work as a first pick for a new book club?
A good family or classroom pick.
Is it a true story?
Inspired by a real gorilla.
Did it win an award?
Newbery.
What if some members have not finished The One and Only Ivan?
Start with the spoiler-free questions and a short plot recap, then move to the spoiler section only when most people have finished.