The Thing About Jellyfish

Written by Ali Benjamin

During her first three weeks of 7th grade, Suzy Swanson learned that a person can become invisible simply by staying quiet. However, as silent as she is, Suzy is learning some fascinating facts about the world around her. Especially things about jellyfish. When her ex-best friend Franny dies, Suzy is certain the death is an enigma, something that happened that no one really recognizes, and perhaps Franny’s death is Suzy’s fault.

This book is packed with extremely interesting facts about jellyfish. Perhaps the reason I found this book so intriguing is because I am a victim of one of the 17,000 people who are stung by jellyfish every hour. Beautifully written, a quiet, gentle heroine, a bit of a mystery, and lots of scientific discovery make this book a real gem and (in my own opinion) a Newbery hopeful.

Review by Terrie Bishop, Academy Park Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 4-9

Author Website: http://alibenjamin.com/

The Thing About Jellyfish
Written by Ali Benjamin
Little, Brown and Company
343 pages
Release Date: September 22, 2015

Tags:

2015 Middle Grade Fiction, Ali Benjamin, Bullying Fiction, Death Fiction, Divorce Fiction, Friendship Fiction, Grief Fiction, Jellyfishes Fiction, Middle School Fiction, Realistic Fiction, Scientists Fiction, Selective Mutism Fiction, Terrie Bishop, The Thing About Jellyfish