53 pages • 1 hour read
The Thing About Jellyfish
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Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
2010s
2015
Middle grade
10-14 years
Super Short Summary
In The Thing About Jellyfish, middle schooler Suzy Swanson navigates the complexities of growing up while grappling with the unexpected death of her estranged best friend, Franny Jackson. Determined to make sense of the loss, Suzy hypothesizes that a jellyfish sting caused Franny's death and embarks on an evidence-seeking journey, ultimately learning to accept her grief and open herself to new friendships. Themes of death and bullying are present.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Emotional
Mysterious
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
43,840 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ali Benjamin's The Thing About Jellyfish captivates with its poignant narrative and a profound exploration of grief through a young protagonist. Praised for its emotional depth and educational value, the novel, however, received some criticism for its pacing and a somewhat predictable plot. Overall, its compelling characters and thoughtful themes make it a meaningful read.
Who Should Read The Thing About Jellyfish?
Readers who would enjoy The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin are typically middle-grade students who appreciate emotionally resonant storytelling. Fans of poignant, thought-provoking novels like Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan will likely find this book captivating.
43,840 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Franny Jackson
Franny Jackson
Suzy's childhood friend whose interests diverge from Suzy's as they transition into middle school, leading to the unraveling of their friendship.
Mom (Meg Swanson)
Mom (Meg Swanson)
Suzy's busy single mother who is a real estate agent, supporting Suzy while managing her own challenges post-divorce.
Dad (Jim Swanson)
Dad (Jim Swanson)
Suzy's father who keeps a promise of regular weekly dinners with Suzy, offering support amidst the challenges of limited communication.
Mrs. Turton
Mrs. Turton
Suzy’s seventh grade science teacher who offers encouragement and creates a safe space for Suzy within the school environment.
Justin Maloney
Justin Maloney
Suzy's classmate and lab partner known for his mischievous reputation, who befriends Suzy during their shared school year.
Aaron and Rocco
Aaron and Rocco
Suzy's older brother and his boyfriend who provide Suzy with understanding and support, particularly concerning middle school difficulties.
352
Novel • Fiction
2010s
2015
Middle grade
10-14 years
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