The Thing About Jellyfish (National Book Award Finalist)

An instant New York Times bestseller!

This stunning debut novel about grief and wonder has captured widespread critical acclaim, including selection as a 2015 National Book Award finalist.

After her best friend dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the tragedy must have been a rare jellyfish sting. Things don’t just happen for no reason. Retreating into a silent world of imagination, she crafts a plan to prove her theory, even if it means traveling the globe, alone. Suzy’s achingly heartfelt journey explores life, death, the astonishing wonder of the universe…and the potential for love and hope right next door.

“Reminiscent of works by Jennifer L. Holm and Sharon Creech, Benjamin’s novel is a shining example of the highs and lows of early adolescence.”―Publishers Weekly, starred review

Don’t miss The Next Great Paulie Fink, also by Ali Benjamin!

 

• Praise for The Thing About Jellyfish:
  A 2015 National Book Award Finalist
  A New York Times Bestseller
  An Indiebound Bestseller
  An E.B. White Read-aloud Book Award Finalist
  An Amazon Editor's Best Book of the 2015
  A 2015 GoodReads Choice Award Finalist
  An Amazon Editor's Fall Favorite Children's Book
  A Booklist Top Ten First Novel of 2015
  A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2015
  A Hudson Booksellers Best Young Readers Book for 2015
  A Bank Street College Distinguished Children's Book
  A 2015 NYPL 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing Book
  A 2016 CCBC Children's Choices Book
  A 2015 Massachusetts Book Award Winner for Middle Grade 
  A 2016 NAPPA Winner for Audiobooks
  The 2017 Keystone to Reading Book Award Winner for Middle School
  A Minnesota Maud Hart Lovelace Award Honoree 2018-2019
   
• *"A painful story smartly told, Benjamin's first solo novel has appeal well beyond a middle school audience."
  Kirkus Reviews, starred review
• *"Reminiscent of works by Jennifer L. Holm and Sharon Creech, Benjamin's novel is a shining example of the highs and lows of early adolescence."
  Publishers Weekly, starred review
• *"Benjamin's sense of timing and delivery is extraordinary, as she blends the visceral experiences of Suzy's journey with an internal dialogue that is authentic and poignant....readers...will fully immerse themselves in this superbly written, heartfelt novel."
  School Library Journal, starred review
• *"Benjamin's involving novel features clean, fluid writing that is highly accessible, yet rich with possibilities for discussion.... Her highly individual, first-person narrative makes compelling reading.... An uncommonly fine first novel."
  Booklist, starred review
• *"This novel has it all: just-right pacing, authentic voices and characters, beautifully crafted plot, and superb writing. Readers will find that this story lingers with them after the book is closed."
  VOYA, starred review
• "There are...a lot of children who might not only benefit from this book but also find themselves deeply moved by it."
  New York Times Book Review
• "Seventh-grade narrator Suzy Swanson will win readers' hearts as she silently struggles to come to terms with her complex emotions over the death of her former best friend."
  Shelf Awareness
• "A heartfelt read for kids and adults."
  
  First for Women Magazine