Katherine Applegate, author of the Roscoe Riley Rules series and many other books, will be coming to Mrs. Nelson's to promote her critically acclaimed new novel The One and Only Ivan! This is a great opportunity to meet a wonderful author and get your books signed - don't miss out!  Here's what the critics have to say:Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews, October 15, 2011: "How Ivan confronts his harrowing past yet stays true to his nature exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage . . . Utterly believable, this bittersweet story, complete with an author's note identifying the real Ivan, will inspire a new generation of advocates." "From the first page to the last, you will hope, cry and rejoice with Ivan and his friends. This truly is a 'One and Only Novel'!" (Becky Anderson, Anderson's Bookshop)"The One and Only Ivan will break your heart--and then, against all odds, mend it again. Such a gentle fantasy is rare; such an evocation of our need to grow, to be free, to become our best selves, is rarer still." (Gary D. Schmidt, Newbery Honor author of The Wednesday Wars) "Kindness and its ability to change lives shines through on every single page of this book. . . Katherine Applegate's beautiful, life-affirming story will soar directly from Ivan's heart into your own." (Kathi Appelt, Newbery Honor author of The Underneath)"Beautifully written, intelligent, and brave, this story is life-changing." (Patricia MacLachlan, Newbery Medalist, Sarah, Plain and Tall) .