The One and Only Ivan (The One and Only Ivan, #1)

by Katherine Applegate

It is never too late to be what you might have been. —George Eliot

Humans waste words. They toss them like banana peels and leave them to rot. Everyone knows the peels are the best part.

“They think I’m too old to cause trouble,” Stella says. “Old age,” she says, “is a powerful disguise.”

Gorillas are not complainers. We’re dreamers, poets, philosophers, nap takers.

Julia runs to my window. “Ivan,” she whispers, “what did you make?” I stare back. I cross my arms. This is taking much longer than I’d thought it would. Humans. Sometimes they make chimps look smart.