Crossword Puzzle Pack for Use with The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

The One and Only Ivan crossword puzzles check vocabulary and story details from The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, written for Grades 3-6. It is a no-prep 48-page printable PDF with answer keys, sold on Teachers Pay Teachers.

At a glance

• Book: The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
• Grades: 3rd–6th
• Resource type: Crossword puzzles
• Format: 48-page printable PDF
• Answer key: Included
• Teaching duration: 1 Week
• Standards: L.3.4, L.3.6, L.4.4, L.4.6, L.5.4, L.5.6, L.6.4, L.6.6 and more
• Price: $3.00

Deepen reading comprehension and critical thinking with this no-prep crossword puzzle pack designed for use with The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. Students will love the satisfying challenge of solving puzzles that ask them to recall key plot details, analyze character traits, and apply vocabulary in context — turning chapter review into a genuinely fun experience.

Save hours of planning and keep your students actively thinking about the text. Unlike simple word searches, these crosswords require students to dig back into the book, make inferences, and use context clues to arrive at the correct answers. It’s the perfect way to boost engagement while holding students accountable for their reading.

What’s Included:

• 10 unit-based crossword puzzles, one for each chapter grouping — from Ivan’s life at the Big Top Mall through his new home at the zoo
• 2 bonus whole-book review crosswords for comprehensive end-of-novel review — 12 puzzles total
• A thoughtful mix of literal recall, light inference, and vocabulary-in-context clues that push students beyond simple word recognition
• Clue types include definition-based prompts, fill-in-the-blank, and context-rich questions drawn directly from the novel’s text
• Complete answer keys for every puzzle — quick grading or student self-check
• Beautifully illustrated with thematic artwork that reflects the heart of the story; available in both full-color and ink-saving black & white
• 48 pages of print-and-go activities — absolutely zero prep required

These crosswords work beautifully as chapter check-ins, guided reading companions, test prep review, homework assignments, independent reading accountability, or sub plans. Use them flexibly alongside your existing novel study to differentiate across a range of reading levels — all within Grades 3–6.

Each puzzle reinforces reading comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and textual analysis by requiring students to recall details (RL.3.1, RL.4.1, RL.5.1, RL.6.1), determine the meaning of words in context (RL.3.4, RL.4.4, RL.5.4, RL.6.4), and build grade-appropriate vocabulary (L.3.4, L.3.6, L.4.4, L.4.6, L.5.4, L.5.6, L.6.4, L.6.6).

Get this resource on Teachers Pay Teachers today and turn your next comprehension check into a puzzle your students will actually look forward to!

Disclaimer:

This product is an independent supplemental resource designed for use with The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the author or publisher. All references to characters, settings, and events are used for educational purposes only to support reading comprehension and classroom instruction. This resource does not include the original text. Students must have their own copy of the book to complete the activities. All content in this resource is original and created by the seller.

Fonts Used:
Roboto by Christian Robertson | Open Sans by Steve Matteson | Playfair Display by Claus Eggers Sørensen | Lexend by Dr. Bonnie Shaver-Troup & Thomas Jockin | Poppins by Jonny Pinhorn | Montserrat by Julieta Ulanovsky
(All fonts are available via Google Fonts and licensed for commercial use under the SIL Open Font License.)

More The One and Only Ivan resources

All The One and Only Ivan activities & puzzles

Frequently asked questions

What grade level is this for?

It is written for Grades 3-6 (TpT lists 3rd-6th).

How long is it?

It is a 48-page printable PDF. Suggested teaching time: 1 Week.

Are answer keys included?

Yes. Answer keys are included.

Do students need their own copy of The One and Only Ivan?

Yes. This is an independent supplemental resource and does not include the text of The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, so students need their own copy.

How do I get this resource?

It is sold on Teachers Pay Teachers ($3.00) as a PDF download. Use the Buy on TpT button on this page.