This book is the 2013 winner of the John Newbery Medal, awarded each year by the American Library Association (ALA) to the author of the year’s most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

    Katherine Applegate’s story is written from the perspective* of a silverback gorilla* living in a shopping mall, inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan.

    Too many children are sheltered* from animals, left to draw their experiences from animated movies like “Madagascar,” “Kung Fu Panda” and “Alvin and the Chipmunks.” What’s missing from those stories? Humanity and tenderness, qualities you will find in abundance* in this book.

    Applegate’s story should resonate* with animal lovers.

    Having spent 27 years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown used to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle*. Instead, Ivan occupies himself with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and painting. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes.

    Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create an unforgettable story of friendship, art, and hope. If you are a bit tired of Harry Potterish fantasy novels, this book is an emotionally satisfying tale.

    The book is availabe on jd.com.

    (SD-Agencies)