I absolutely love the story of The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. I've just finished reading it for the second time. The story is about a silver back named Ivan. Ivan lives in a cage at the mall where he is a main attraction. He spends his days watching tv and painting. Mack, the owner of the mall, sells his paintings in the gift shop. Ivan can barely remember life before the mall became his domain until a baby elephant, Ruby, is brought to live at the mall. Ivan doesn't want to see Ruby live her entire life in a cage in the mall. But what can a might silver back stuck in a cage do to save an elephant?The One and Only Ivan is based on a true story of a gorilla named Ivan living in Atlanta. There is also a picture book that outlines his life.
For grade 4 teachers this book is a perfect connection to studies on habitats.