The One and Only Ivan

by

Katherine Applegate

Sara is George’s wife and Julia’s mother; she never appears in person in the novel. She’s been sick for several years with a chronic illness and, according to George, doesn’t seem to be getting much better. Before she got sick, she used to help George clean the mall at night. After Ivan, Ruby, and the other animals leave the Big Top Mall, Bob goes to live with Sara and George to keep Sara company.
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Sara Character Timeline in The One and Only Ivan

The timeline below shows where the character Sara appears in The One and Only Ivan. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
gone—the beetle
Kindness Theme Icon
Art and Self-Expression Theme Icon
Family, Friendship, and Identity Theme Icon
...sit with him. Ivan thinks that this is because they both love drawing. Julia’s mother, Sara, used to help clean the mall, but she stopped coming when she got sick. Now,... (full context)
Animal Abuse and Human Cruelty Theme Icon
Kindness Theme Icon
...Then, Mack asks Julia what she’s drawing. Julia explains that it’s a flying dog for Sara, since she likes airplanes and dogs. Mack makes a noncommittal noise and then asks George... (full context)
the next morning—photo
Kindness Theme Icon
Art and Self-Expression Theme Icon
...Bob is a “survivor.” Julia suggests that Bob could come live with them and keep Sara company. She’d pay for him with her dog-walking money, but George says no. Julia nods... (full context)
leaving—mighty silverback
Kindness Theme Icon
Family, Friendship, and Identity Theme Icon
...food—all of them poodles. Ivan notes that Bob didn’t want a home, but Bob says Sara likes him. He figures he’s doing Julia’s family a favor. At this point, Julia shoves... (full context)