53 pages • 1 hour read
Ali BenjaminThe Thing About Jellyfish
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2015A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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.
Reviews & Readership
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.
RecommendedReading Age
10-14yearsBook Details
Life/Time: Mortality & Death
Emotions/Behavior: Grief
Children's Literature