Characters
This character becomes Ivan’s closest friend and shares memories of the wild.
Who is Stella?
The name of the mall where the animals live.
What is the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade?
The tool Ivan uses to create pictures for Ruby.
What are crayons (or markers)?
Compare Ivan’s memories of the wild with Ruby’s lack of memories.
What is Ivan remembers freedom while Ruby does not, highlighting what has been lost?
How does the author build empathy for the animals?
What is through first-person narration and emotional insight into their thoughts and suffering?
This baby elephant arrives at the mall.
Who is Ruby?
The type of enclosure where Ivan lives.
What is a cage (or enclosure)?
The object Ruby fears during training.
What is the bullhook?
How does the theme of freedom develop in this section?
What is freedom shifts from being a memory to becoming a goal Ivan works toward for Ruby?
How does Ivan feel about humans in this section?
What is he feels conflicted—some humans are cruel, others are kind?
This human janitor shows kindness to the animals.
Who is George?
Why does Stella worry about Ruby after watching her training?
What is because she fears Ruby will be hurt or mistreated?
How does Ivan use art as a form of communication?
What is he creates pictures to send a message about Ruby needing a better home?
What motivates Ivan to begin drawing with purpose?
What is Stella’s death and his promise to protect Ruby?
How does George show kindness to the animals?
What is he speaks gently, brings treats, and shows concern for their well-being?
Is Mack purely a villain, or is he more complex? Explain.
What is Mack is a complex character motivated by business and survival but harmful in his choices?
How does Stella’s death change Ivan’s actions?
What is it pushes Ivan to take action and keep his promise to protect Ruby?
How does Ivan’s artwork change after Ruby arrives?
What is it becomes purposeful and meaningful instead of just entertainment?
In what ways does Ivan demonstrate leadership?
What is he protects Ruby, makes plans, and follows through on his promise?
How might the story change if told from Ruby’s perspective?
What is it would focus more on innocence and confusion about captivity?
Are humans portrayed more positively or negatively? Support your answer.
What is humans are portrayed as mixed—some harmful like Mack, others kind like George and Julia?
Why does the billboard become important to the story?
What is it spreads Ivan’s message to the public and brings attention to Ruby’s situation?
How does Ivan redefine what it means to be a “silverback”?
What is he defines a silverback as a protector and compassionate leader rather than just strong?
Why does Ruby have trouble understanding captivity?
What is because she is young and does not remember life in the wild?
How does the billboard serve as a turning point in the story?
What is it spreads Ivan’s message publicly and leads to change for Ruby?