GEHMS is excited to invite families to take part in a special community wide shared reading experience! Every family (living at same address) will receive a copy of the same book, The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. Think of it as a book club for everyone at GEHMS to share and read together at home. We are asking you to make some time in your busy routines for this special activity.
Your youngest child will receive a copy of this book after a special school wide reveal in January. You will receive a reading schedule to stay on pace with the rest of us. Questions/discussion points will be shared via SeeSaw!
We aim to build a community of readers where EVERYONE can follow along together. Through this program, you’ll see your child taking pride and comprehending the story! Research shows that reading aloud to children, even when above their reading level builds positive habits and increases listening and comprehension ability.
The One and Only Ivan
Winner of the 2013 Newbery Medal and a #1 New York Times bestseller, this stirring and unforgettable novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate celebrates the transformative power of unexpected friendship. Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this illustrated novel is told from the point of view of Ivan himself. In this timeless story, Katherine Applegate blends humor and poignancy to create a tale of friendship, art, and hope. This book was made into a Disney movie in 2020.