Gr 4–6 —Ivan, the beloved western lowland gorilla, moves back into the spotlight in this fourth and final entry in the series. Still living in Wildwood Zoological Park &; Sanctuary, Ivan and mate Kinyani learn they're going to become parents of twins. Kinyani, the more pragmatic of the two, reacts with quiet joy; pensive Ivan frets. Helping him adjust are the friends he has made since his years at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade: Julie, Ruby, Bitsy, and, of course, Bob, who nicknames the expectant father "Big Daddy." The twins' birth evokes memories of Ivan's African childhood, all that he has lost and all that remains. Ivan's journey towards maturity and contentment is the heart of the novel and is complete when he fulfills his role as leader and protector of not only his immediate family, but of all the gorillas in the sanctuary. His epiphany comes with the understanding, "You can't cage hope." Castelao's spot art continues to add spark to the characters. Applegate's writing, stellar as ever, provides enough backstory for the novel to stand on its own and encourage new readers to pick up the first three novels. Her author's note is deeply personal and reveals intriguing insights into her work. VERDICT A cherished character enjoys the heartfelt and uplifting closure he, and his fans, richly deserve. An essential purchase.—Marybeth Kozikowski

Beloved gorilla Ivan becomes a father to rambunctious twins in this finale to a quartet that began with 2012's Newbery Award–winning The One and Only Ivan.Life hasn't always been easy for silverback gorilla Ivan, who's spent most of his life being mistreated in captivity. Now he's living in a wildlife sanctuary, but he still gets to see his two best friends. Young elephant Ruby lives in the grassy habitat next door, and former stray dog Bob has a home with one of the zookeepers. All three were rescued from the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. Ivan's expanded world includes fellow gorilla Kinyani-the two are about to become parents, and Ivan is revisiting the traumas of his past in light of what he wants the twins to know. When the subject inevitably comes up, Applegate's trust and respect for readers is evident. She doesn't shy away from hard truths as Ivan wrestles with the fact that poachers killed his family. Readers will need the context provided by knowledge of the earlier books to feel the full emotional impact of this story. The rushed ending unfortunately falls flat, detracting from the central message that a complex life can still contain hope. Final art not seen.Not the most satisfying wrap-up, but it's always good to spend time in the world of this series. (gorilla games, glossary, author's note) (Verse fiction. 8-12)