# data[].attributes.body
Before reading, have students research gorillas, elephants, or dogs (the main animal characters in the book). They can create posters or digital presentations to share with the class.

# data[].attributes.body
Take a virtual tour of a zoo to give students context for the setting of the story. Discuss the pros and cons of animals in captivity.

# data[].attributes.body
Ivan expresses himself through art. Have students create a piece of art that represents an emotion, then share and discuss with the class.

# data[].attributes.body
As students read, have them keep a journal from the perspective of Ivan, Stella, or Ruby. Encourage them to reflect on the characters' thoughts and feelings.

# data[].attributes.body
Create a word wall with new vocabulary from the book. Include words like 'domain', 'venerable', and 'keepers'. Have students use these words in their own sentences.

# data[].attributes.body
Use these discussion questions to guide conversations after each chapter or section of the book. Encourage critical thinking and personal connections.

# data[].attributes.body
Organize a class debate on animal rights and the ethics of animals in captivity. Encourage students to use evidence from the book to support their arguments.

# data[].attributes.body
Have students write or storyboard a sequel to the book. What might happen to Ivan and Ruby at the zoo? How might their lives be different?

# data[].attributes.body
Inspired by Ivan's artwork, have students create their own animal-themed art pieces. Host a classroom art exhibition where students can present and explain their work.

# data[].attributes.body
Compare and contrast the natural habitats of gorillas and elephants with their environments in the book. Discuss adaptation and conservation efforts.

# data[].attributes.body
Have students design a zoo enclosure for Ivan and Ruby, calculating area and perimeter. Discuss how to create a more animal-friendly environment.

# data[].attributes.body
Research and discuss animal protection laws in the United States. How have these laws changed over time? How do they relate to the story?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In the United States, animal protection laws can be enacted and enforced at every level of government.

Most animal protection legislation happens at the state level. There are also a handful of federal animal protection laws. Additionally, some cities and counties pass ordinances to protect animals.

This is why it's critically important to advocate for better animal protection laws with lawmakers in all government bodies. Each has the power to help.

Federal Animal Protection Laws

There are only a handful of federal animal protection laws:

The Animal Welfare Act: Signed into law in 1966, the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) is the primary federal animal protection law. The AWA mainly involves animals kept at zoos and used in laboratories, as well as animals who are commercially bred and sold like those in puppy mills.

The AWA directs the Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture to set minimum standards regarding these animals' "handling, care, treatment, and transportation." Dog fighting and cockfighting are also prohibited under the Animal Welfare Act, so long as the activity in some way crosses state lines.

The AWA itself, as well as its enforcement by the Department of Agriculture, are frequently criticized for allowing inhumane practices to go unchecked.

The "28 Hour Law": This law, enacted in 1873, requires vehicles transporting certain animals for slaughter to stop every 28 hours to allow the animals exercise, food and water. The law does not apply if the vehicle in which animals are being transported contains access to food or water, and there are many other exceptions as well. Birds like chickens and turkeys, which are the most-farmed animals in the United States, are considered exempt by the federal government.

The Humane Slaughter Act, or the Humane Methods of Livestock Slaughter Act : This law was first passed in 1958, then amended in 1978. The Humane Methods of Slaughter Act requires that animals be stunned into unconsciousness before slaughter, to minimize pain.

Though chickens, turkeys and other birds feel pain just like other animals, they are not protected by this law. Enforcement of this law has been found by government inspectors to be "inconsistent."

The Endangered Species Act : Enacted in 1973, the Endangered Species Act protects fish, mammals and birds - as well as plants - listed as threatened or endangered in the United States and beyond. The ESA outlines procedures for federal agencies to follow regarding listed species, as well as criminal and civil penalties for violations. This law is chiefly administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Service.

Companion animals:

Companion animals - a category often limited to dogs and cats, but that sometimes includes birds, horses, and other animals as well - usually receive the strongest level of protection under state laws. However, there have been cases where someone has been prosecuted for having committed egregiously cruel acts against wildlife or farmed animals.

This can even extend to marine animals. In 2017, three Florida teenagers were charged with animal cruelty for their torture of a shark.

Each state also has laws governing some aspects of the "hands-on" care of animals. For example, there are laws regulating how long animal shelters must "hold" stray animals before they can be adopted or euthanized. There are also laws about how frequently pets must be vaccinated against rabies. States often also have some regulations concerning commercial breeding of companion animals.

"Hot car laws" criminalize leaving an animal in a vehicle in extreme weather, and some hot car laws allow these animals to be rescued from vehicles in certain circumstances and make the rescuer immune from civil or criminal liability. Anti-tethering laws limiting how long pets can be tied up or chained outside, especially in extreme weather, are also growing in popularity, as are laws allowing pets to be included in domestic violence protective orders.

California is at the forefront of some other statewide animal protection measures. In 2017, California became the first state to pass a statewide "retail pet sale ban." Under this law, retail establishments like pet stores may only sell cats, dogs and rabbits coming from shelters and rescue groups-and not from commercial breeders. Maryland passed its own statewide retail pet sale ban in 2018, becoming the second state with this type of law.

Wildlife:

Each state also has wildlife protection laws, as well as laws regarding the time and manner under which it is sanctioned to kill wildlife through hunting and fishing.

Wild animal performance bans: Some states regulate the use of wild animals in performances. In 2017, Illinois and New York passed the country's first statewide bans on the use of elephants in entertainment. This is generally seen as the beginning of a more widespread trend.

Farmed animals:

While farmed animals are often left out of state animal protection laws, a number of states have adopted measures to limit the use of "intensive confinement" farming practices. Such practices entail confining animals in restraints that are so small the animals often can't fully stand up or move around. Chickens and hens kept in battery cages don't have room to stretch their wings.

Local animal protection laws: Many other companion animal protection measures are enacted and enforced at the local level. For example, hundreds of cities and counties have retail pet sale bans like California's and Maryland's.

Similarly, in states without anti-tethering laws, many cities and counties pass their own such laws. A growing number of cities are passing and enforcing their own wild animal performance bans.

While state and federal laws would offer more protection to more animals, these local laws are very important. They not only protect the animals in that area - but they can also act as a bellwether for more expansive protections to come. It is not infrequent for new animal protection measures to begin at the city or county level, and then as the public increasingly demands it, to be taken up by the state legislators.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In the United States, animal protection laws can be enacted and enforced at every level of government. Most animal protection legislation happens at the state level.

# data[].attributes.body
Watch an interview with Katherine Applegate to learn more about her inspiration for the book and her writing process.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The One and Only Ivan's Katherine Applegate

# data[].attributes.body
Share the true story of Ivan, the gorilla who inspired the book. Discuss how the author used real events to create her novel.

# data[].attributes.body
After reading the book, watch the movie adaptation. Have students compare and contrast the book and film, discussing the choices made in the adaptation process.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Printerval.com - T-Shirts Starting at $14 Featuring Your Favorite TV Shows, Movies, Comics, and More

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find the perfect handmade gift, vintage & on-trend clothes, unique decor home & living and more on Printerval.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The One and Only Ivan Classroom Activities - The Friendly Teacher

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This post is full of The One and Only Ivan classroom activities! These activities will keep your students engaged in the story!