Yesterday the Newbery and Caldecott medal winners were announced at The American Library Association’s Mid Winter Meeting. I was beyond excited to hear that The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate took top honors, winning the Newbery Medal. 
It is the story of Ivan, a silverback gorilla living at a run down circus themed road side attraction. He passively accepts his life behind the glass walls of his cage until he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from her family. Suddenly Ivan can no longer stay silent about the conditions in which he and his fellow animals live.
This book is amazing. I encourage every single one of you to read it! I can try to put it into my own words or I can quote directly from the back cover.
“In cheering for Ivan and his friends, we cheer four our own humanity, and our own possibilities. Read this.” – Gary D. Schmidt, Newbery Honor author of The Wednesday Wars
“This beautiful, life-affirming story will soar directly from Ivan’s heart into your own” – Kathi Appelt, Newbery Honor author of The Underneath.
“A beautifully written, intelligent, and brave book. Quite simply, this story is life changing.” -Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery Medalist for Sarah, Plain and Tall
In case you need more encouragement take a look at this book trailer.
The Falcon's Fables 