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
352
Novel • Fiction
2010s
2015
Middle grade
10-14 years
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