After the Call: A Chance to Take Root

by Katherine Applegate
Jun 14, 2022 | Filed in Articles & Opinion

This is a plaque at Zoo Atlanta honoring Ivan, the western lowland gorilla who inspired The One and Only Ivan. (The young woman is Ariana Greenblatt, who played Julia in the movie.) Children from all over the world visit this spot because they know Ivan’s story. And they know his story because a shiny gold seal helped a little book find its audience.

The Newbery Award gives stories a chance to take root, to blossom, and to thrive.

From the May/June 2022 special issue of The Horn Book Magazine: The Newbery Centennial.

Katherine Applegate

Katherine Applegate won the 2013 Newbery Medal for The One and Only Ivan (Harper/HarperCollins). Her latest book is Willodeen (Feiwel).

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