Question 1

What is The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin about?

Accepted Answer

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin is a middle grade novel about 12-year-old Suzy Swanson, who struggles to accept that her former best friend Franny Jackson died in a drowning accident. After learning about the deadly Irukandji jellyfish on a school aquarium trip, Suzy becomes convinced that Franny was killed by a jellyfish sting rather than drowning. The story explores Suzy's journey through grief, guilt, and her scientific quest to prove her theory while processing the painful dissolution of their friendship.

Question 2

Who should read The Thing About Jellyfish?

Accepted Answer

The Thing About Jellyfish is ideal for middle grade readers aged 10-14, though it resonates with all ages dealing with loss and grief. This book appeals to science-minded kids who appreciate factual information woven into fiction, as well as readers navigating the complexities of middle school friendships and social dynamics. Parents, educators, and anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one will find the hopeful, moving narrative meaningful and relatable.

Question 3

Is The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin worth reading?

Accepted Answer

The Thing About Jellyfish is worth reading for its authentic portrayal of grief, friendship, and the middle school experience. Ali Benjamin's debut novel received widespread critical acclaim and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Readers praise its lyrical writing style, realistic character development, and unique approach to processing loss through scientific inquiry. While some find the present-day plot overly dramatic, the emotional depth and hopeful message about coping with tragedy make it a powerful, memorable read.

Question 4

Who is Ali Benjamin and why did she write The Thing About Jellyfish?

Accepted Answer

Ali Benjamin is an author whose 2015 debut novel The Thing About Jellyfish launched her fiction writing career. According to Benjamin's acknowledgments, the book originated from a failed essay submission about jellyfish. She transformed her rejected nonfiction piece into a powerful middle grade novel that explores grief, scientific curiosity, and the complexities of childhood friendship through the lens of jellyfish research. Her ability to blend scientific facts with emotional storytelling established her as a distinctive voice in children's literature.

Question 5

What is the main theme of The Thing About Jellyfish?

Accepted Answer

The central theme of The Thing About Jellyfish is processing grief through scientific logic and accepting life's unanswerable questions. Suzy Swanson applies the scientific method to her emotional pain, seeking rational explanations for an inexplicable tragedy. The novel explores how children cope with loss, the evolving nature of friendship, bullying, guilt, and the search for meaning when faced with senseless events. It also examines identity formation during middle school and the importance of family support during difficult times.

Question 6

Why does Suzy stop talking in The Thing About Jellyfish?

Accepted Answer

Suzy stops talking in The Thing About Jellyfish as a way to de-clutter the world of unimportant noise and process her overwhelming grief after Franny's death. Her selective mutism reflects her belief that silence helps people hear their own lives better and makes words more meaningful when spoken. This communication shutdown concerns her divorced parents enough that they arrange therapy sessions. Suzy's silence represents her attempt to control chaos and create space for understanding in a world that suddenly feels incomprehensible.

Question 7

What is the Irukandji jellyfish theory in The Thing About Jellyfish?

Accepted Answer

The Irukandji jellyfish theory is Suzy's hypothesis that Franny Jackson died from the sting of an Irukandji jellyfish rather than drowning. After visiting an aquarium exhibit, Suzy learns that the Irukandji possesses potentially the deadliest venom in the world and has begun migrating from its native Australia. Despite Franny drowning in Maryland, Suzy becomes convinced this rare jellyfish caused her death and embarks on extensive research to prove it. She even plans to fly to Australia to meet jellyfish expert Dr. Jamie Seymour to validate her theory.

Question 8

How does The Thing About Jellyfish portray grief and guilt?

Accepted Answer

The Thing About Jellyfish portrays grief through Suzy's scientific approach to processing her friend's death and her overwhelming guilt about their fractured friendship. Suzy cannot accept random tragedy, so she seeks logical explanations through jellyfish research. Her guilt stems from a cruel prank she played on Franny before her death—freezing sheets of urine and placing them in Franny's locker as a "wake-up call" about her changing behavior. The novel shows how children cope with complicated emotions when loss occurs before reconciliation is possible.

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Key takeaways

When Words Fail, Science Speaks

The Science of Friendship and Its Dissolution

Ancient Survivors in a Changing World

The Quest for Answers and the Perfect Expert

The Terrible Message and Unforgivable Act

Finding Connection in Unexpected Places

When Grief Finds Its Voice

The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin Summary

Overview of The Thing About Jellyfish

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More like this

Key takeaways

When Words Fail, Science Speaks

The Science of Friendship and Its Dissolution

Ancient Survivors in a Changing World

The Quest for Answers and the Perfect Expert

The Terrible Message and Unforgivable Act

Finding Connection in Unexpected Places

When Grief Finds Its Voice

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