Living Canon

Newbery Medal 2013: Complete list of winners

The 2013 Newbery Medal went to Katherine Applegate for The One and Only Ivan, a novel that proves picture books and middle-grade fiction can tackle profound themes without losing their heart. Applegate’s story, told from the perspective of Ivan, a silverback gorilla living in a shopping mall, became an instant classic by giving voice to one of the animal kingdom’s most intelligent and dignified creatures. The win marked a significant moment in Newbery history, recognizing a book that bridges entertainment and activism, inviting young readers to think deeply about captivity, friendship, and what it means to truly see another being.

What makes Applegate’s victory particularly resonant is how The One and Only Ivan exemplifies the modern Newbery’s evolution toward stories that don’t shy away from real-world complexity. The novel draws inspiration from the true story of Ivan, a gorilla who spent decades in captivity before his rescue, yet Applegate crafted a narrative that feels both intimate and universal. Her choice to narrate through Ivan’s eyes creates an unusual intimacy—readers experience the world as this magnificent creature does, complete with memories, dreams, and a profound longing for freedom. This imaginative leap, combined with Applegate’s spare, poetic prose, helped establish The One and Only Ivan as a transformative read for a generation of young people.

The 2013 Newbery Medal winner list reflects the American Library Association’s commitment to honoring literature that speaks to children with intelligence and emotional authenticity. Below, you’ll find the complete roster of honorees and finalists from that year’s selection.

Children’s Literature