Book Review The Thing About Jellyfish (National Book Award Finalist)

This poignant middle-grade novel explores the turbulent waters of grief through the eyes of a young girl named Suzy, who becomes convinced her best friend's accidental drowning was actually caused by a rare jellyfish sting. As Suzy retreats into silence, she embarks on a scientific quest to prove her theory, weaving together marine biology facts with raw emotional turmoil. The narrative beautifully captures that age where childhood friendships begin to shift and the desperate need for logical explanations when faced with incomprehensible loss. This coming-of-age story tackles complex emotions with sensitivity and intelligence, making difficult topics accessible for young readers.

What sets this novel apart is how it validates a child's need to make sense of tragedy through curiosity and scientific inquiry, offering a powerful alternative to platitudes about "things just happening." Suzy's journey through marine science becomes both her coping mechanism and her path toward understanding, providing a thoughtful model for children processing their own difficult emotions. The integration of jellyfish facts and ecosystem exploration adds educational depth while serving the emotional core of the story. Parents will appreciate how this National Book Award finalist handles mature themes with grace, ultimately leaving readers with a sense of hope and resilience.