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The One and Only Ivan Read Alikes

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The One and Only Ivan tells the story of a silverback gorilla, who lives in the Big Top Mall, a circus themed mall that hosts live animals as attractions. Ivan, the titular gorilla, is overall content with his life until a new resident arrives, a baby elephant named Ruby. Ivan must use his voice—well, his art—to protest how he and his friends are being treated. This book has won the hearts of countless kids and even been made into a movie. If you or your child loves animal stories like The One and Only Ivan, they'll surely like these other animal reads.

The Eyes & the Impossible
By Dave Eggers
New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2023. Fiction. 249 pages.

Johannes takes his responsibility as "The Eyes" seriously. It was a responsibility given to him by "The Keepers of the Equilibrium," three captive bison elders, to report anything that happens in their vast park that might disrupt the balance between the animals and visiting humans. After discovering humans erecting a building full of "chaos rectangles" (an art museum) and a brief experience being "leashed." Johannes gains a new appreciation for freedom and becomes determined to free the bison elders. Like The One and Only Ivan, this Newbery Medalist's narration is unique and shows the bias and personality of its protagonist.
Singing with Elephants
By Margarita Engle
New York: Viking, 2022. Fiction. 217 pages.

Having moved from Cuba to Santa Barbara, Oriol doesn't feel like she really belongs in her new home. Bullied for her accent and mourning her grandmother, she struggles to find her voice until she meets an elderly poet who teachers Oriol to express herself through writing. When a baby elephant is taken from its mother and sister at her parent's veterinary clinic, Oriol knows she'll have to speak out to fight for what's right. Just like Ivan, Oriol has to push herself to advocate against animal cruelty.

The Aquanaut
By Dan Santat
New York: Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic, 2022. Comic. 241 pages.

Sophia Revoy hasn't been the same since her father died at sea five years ago and she spends her time at Aqualand with her Uncle, Paul Revoy. However, both of them are in for a surprise when the late Michel Revoy's diving suit comes walking into a research laboratory at Aqualand. This "Aquanaut" is actually piloted by four marine creatures who found Michel's journal and came to find the marine reserve Michel and his brother Paul founded. However, when they discover it has become nothing more than a tourist attraction, they team up with Sophia to set the various sea creatures free. While The Aquanaut is more humorous and whimsical than The One and Only Ivan, the two touch on topics of freedom and if animals should be used for human entertainment.

Millie
By McCall Hoyle
Salt Lake City, UT: Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2024. Fiction. 199 pages.

Having lived most of her life on the streets, a border terrier is surprised when she's adopted by a teacher and given the name "Millie." While she worries about her friends from the allies, she soon forms an attachment with her new owner, fellow pet Bella, and the small granddaughter of the baker, who was always kind to Millie and her friends. Like Ivan, Millie narrates her story in a way that communicates that she isn't human and they both have to look out for their friends and deal with the trauma of their pasts.
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