Book Review: The Thing About Jellyfish (National Book Award Finalist)
The Thing About Jellyfish: A Heartbreaking and Hopeful Masterpiece
Introduction: A Story of Grief, Science, and the Unspoken
Ali Benjamin’s The Thing About Jellyfish is a stunning middle-grade novel that transcends age barriers, offering a poignant exploration of grief, friendship, and the mysteries of the natural world. A National Book Award Finalist, this book weaves together science and emotion in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.
If you’ve ever struggled to make sense of loss—whether it’s the death of a loved one or the end of a friendship—this book will speak to you. With lyrical prose, a fiercely intelligent protagonist, and a narrative that balances heartbreak with hope, The Thing About Jellyfish is a must-read for anyone who appreciates stories that linger long after the last page.
🔗 Get the Book: Amazon
Plot Summary: A Quest for Answers
Twelve-year-old Suzy Swanson is a girl who believes in facts, logic, and the power of science. But when her former best friend, Franny, drowns in a tragic accident, Suzy refuses to accept the senselessness of it all. Convinced that Franny’s death wasn’t just a random accident, Suzy becomes obsessed with an unusual theory: that Franny was stung by a deadly Irukandji jellyfish, one of the most venomous creatures in the ocean.
The novel unfolds in alternating timelines—before and after Franny’s death—as Suzy navigates the isolating aftermath of grief. She stops speaking, retreating into silence as she meticulously researches jellyfish, determined to prove her theory. Along the way, she embarks on a secret mission to contact a jellyfish expert, hoping to find answers that will make sense of her shattered world.
Without giving away major spoilers, the story is as much about Suzy’s internal journey as it is about her scientific quest. It’s a meditation on how we cope with the inexplicable and how silence can sometimes speak louder than words.
Character Analysis: Suzy Swanson—A Girl Who Thinks in Facts
Suzy is one of the most compelling young protagonists in contemporary middle-grade fiction. She’s precise, analytical, and deeply empathetic, though her way of processing emotions is through data rather than words. Her silence after Franny’s death isn’t just a refusal to speak—it’s a shield against a world that expects her to grieve in ways she doesn’t understand.
Franny, seen through Suzy’s memories, is vibrant and full of life—a girl who once shared Suzy’s love for the extraordinary but gradually drifted away as they entered middle school. Their fractured friendship is painfully real, capturing how childhood bonds can dissolve under the weight of social pressures.
Secondary characters, like Suzy’s patient but worried parents and her compassionate science teacher, add depth to the story. Each one reflects different ways people handle loss—some with words, some with actions, and some with silence.
Writing Style & Narrative Technique: A Unique Blend of Science and Storytelling
Benjamin’s prose is lyrical yet precise, mirroring Suzy’s scientific mind. The book is structured in short, impactful chapters, some of which are written as Suzy’s research notes on jellyfish. These scientific interludes aren’t just informative—they’re metaphors for Suzy’s emotional state.
The nonlinear timeline keeps the reader engaged, revealing Franny and Suzy’s friendship in fragments that slowly piece together the full picture. The second-person narration in some sections (where Suzy addresses Franny directly) adds an intimate, almost confessional tone.
One of the most striking passages:
“Sometimes you want things to change so badly, you can’t even stand to be in the same room with the way things actually are.”
This line encapsulates Suzy’s struggle—her desperate need to rewrite reality when the truth is too painful to bear.
Themes & Deeper Meanings: Grief, Science, and the Power of Silence
At its core, The Thing About Jellyfish is about:
- The Inadequacy of Words – Suzy’s silence reflects how grief can render language meaningless. Science becomes her way of making sense of chaos.
- The Fragility of Friendship – The novel captures how friendships evolve (or dissolve) as kids grow up, and how small misunderstandings can lead to irreversible rifts.
- The Search for Meaning – Suzy’s jellyfish theory is her way of imposing order on tragedy. It’s a coping mechanism, but also a testament to human resilience.
- The Beauty of the Natural World – The jellyfish motif serves as a reminder that nature is both wondrous and terrifying—much like life itself.
Personal Reading Experience: Why This Book Stays With You
I read The Thing About Jellyfish in one sitting, utterly absorbed by Suzy’s voice. There’s something achingly real about her journey—the way she clings to logic in the face of unbearable loss, the way her silence speaks volumes.
The emotional climax left me in tears, not because of dramatic twists, but because of its quiet, heartbreaking authenticity. This isn’t just a book about grief—it’s about how we survive it.
Comparisons to Other Works
Fans of Rebecca Stead’s When You Reach Me or Kathryn Erskine’s Mockingbird will appreciate Benjamin’s blend of mystery, science, and deep emotional insight. Like those books, The Thing About Jellyfish trusts young readers to grapple with complex themes without oversimplifying them.
Strengths & Minor Weaknesses
Strengths:
✅ Unique protagonist – Suzy’s voice is fresh and unforgettable.
✅ Beautiful prose – Poetic yet accessible.
✅ Perfect pacing – The short chapters make it compulsively readable.
✅ Emotional depth – Handles grief with nuance and respect.
Minor Weaknesses:
❌ Some readers might want more resolution – The ending is open-ended, which fits the story but may leave some wanting closure.
❌ The science-heavy sections might feel slow to readers less interested in marine biology (though they serve a narrative purpose).
Who Should Read This Book?
- Middle-grade readers (ages 10+) navigating friendship changes or loss.
- Adults who appreciate literary middle-grade fiction (think Wonder or The One and Only Ivan).
- Teachers & librarians looking for discussion-worthy books on grief, science, and resilience.
- Fans of quiet, introspective stories with emotional depth.
Final Thoughts: A Book That Demands to Be Felt
The Thing About Jellyfish is more than a novel—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of book that lingers in your mind, making you see grief, friendship, and even jellyfish in a new light. Ali Benjamin has crafted something truly special—a story that’s as scientifically fascinating as it is emotionally devastating.
If you’re ready for a book that will break your heart and mend it again, this is the one.
🔗 Get the Book: Amazon
Discussion Questions (For Book Clubs or Personal Reflection):
- How does Suzy’s reliance on science help (or hinder) her grieving process?
- Were there moments when you wished Suzy would speak? How does silence function in the story?
- How does the book portray the evolution of childhood friendships?
- What do you think the jellyfish symbolize in the story?
Have you read The Thing About Jellyfish? What stayed with you the most? Let’s talk in the comments! 📚💙
For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.
For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.