The Thing About Jellyfish: A Deep Dive & Guide

21 May, 2025

What if the mysteries of the ocean held the key to understanding the complexities of human grief? The 'thing about jellyfish,' as explored in Ali Benjamin's acclaimed novel, delves into this very question, weaving a narrative of loss, scientific inquiry, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Embarking on a journey through the pages of "The Thing About Jellyfish" is like diving into a world of unexpected wonders, where the delicate beauty of marine life intertwines with the raw emotions of adolescence. The story centers around Suzy Swanson, a young girl whose life is irrevocably altered by the tragic drowning of her best friend, Franny. Overwhelmed by grief and searching for a rational explanation for Franny's death, Suzy embarks on an unconventional quest to uncover the truth.

On a school field trip to an aquarium, a spark ignites within Suzy. She encounters a jellyfish exhibit and learns about the Irukandji, a species known for its potentially lethal venom. Though this jellyfish is typically found in Australian waters, she discovers that it has begun migrating to other regions. This discovery triggers a firm conviction within Suzy: she believes that Franny was stung by an Irukandji, and she dedicates herself to proving her theory.

Suzy's pursuit of the truth is a testament to the power of imagination, scientific exploration, and the enduring strength of friendship. She delves into the world of jellyfish, learning about their biology, behavior, and the scientists who dedicate their lives to studying these enigmatic creatures. Suzy also retreats into silence, avoiding social interaction and pouring all her energy into her investigation.

Throughout her journey, Suzy finds solace in the wonders of the universe, exploring the vastness of her imagination to make sense of her grief. She reads about brave and daring scientists who study jellyfish, and she tries to contact them, hoping to work as a team to prove her theory about Franny's death. Her determination reveals a deep desire to understand the world around her, even in the face of tragedy.

The narrative is rich with themes of grief, friendship, and the intricacies of growing up. It is an exploration of how we grapple with loss and find strength in the face of adversity, and the complexity of understanding our world. The story reminds us of the importance of connection, the power of knowledge, and the enduring impact of those we love.

Ali Benjamin's "The Thing About Jellyfish" is a multi-layered exploration, weaving together scientific inquiry and emotional exploration. It is a heartwarming and poignant story that resonates with readers of all ages.

Category	Details
Author	Ali Benjamin
Full Title	The Thing About Jellyfish
Publisher	Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date	2015
Genre	Middle Grade Fiction, Young Adult
Themes	Grief, Friendship, Adolescence, Science, Loss, Mystery
Protagonist	Suzy Swanson
Setting	Contemporary, primarily school and home settings. Includes elements of the ocean and scientific research
Awards and Recognition	New York Times Bestseller, National Book Award Finalist, and named a Best Book of the Year by various publications
Number of Pages	352 (approximate, varies by edition)
ISBN	978-0316380867
Website Reference	Ali Benjamin's Official Website

Ali Benjamin, the author of "The Thing About Jellyfish," has crafted a story that has earned critical acclaim and has resonated with a broad audience. The book has earned five starred reviews and was named a best book of the year by Amazon, Time Magazine, NPR, Publisher's Weekly, School Library Journal, the New York Public Library, and The New York Times, among others, a testament to its powerful narrative and insightful exploration of themes. "The Thing About Jellyfish" is a book that stays with you long after you finish reading it, prompting reflection on life, loss, and the importance of human connection.

The narrative structure of "The Thing About Jellyfish" is captivating. Suzy's voice is authentic and relatable, inviting readers to step into her world of grief and scientific inquiry. The author masterfully interweaves Suzy's personal experiences with scientific facts about jellyfish, creating a rich and engaging reading experience. The story is divided into chapters, and each one progresses the plot. This structure helps to clarify complex emotional experiences, making them accessible.

Suzy's character undergoes a significant transformation throughout the story. Initially, she is devastated by Franny's death. Her grief manifests in various ways, including her retreat into silence and her obsessive pursuit of the truth behind Franny's death. As she delves deeper into her investigation, she discovers resilience and intellectual curiosity. She begins to come to terms with her loss, and to understand the importance of friendship.

The supporting characters in the novel provide depth and complexity to the narrative. Suzy's science teacher, who becomes a confidante, and her family, who offer varying degrees of support. These individuals help her to navigate the challenges of grief and adolescence. The portrayal of Franny is a strong, positive influence, despite her absence. Suzys memory of their friendship is strong, creating a sense of how loved Franny was.

The themes explored in "The Thing About Jellyfish" are universal, touching on the complexities of adolescence and the importance of resilience in the face of loss. Grief is at the heart of the story, with Suzy learning that there is no single way to grieve. The novel also explores the intricacies of friendship, the importance of human connection, and the way that science can help us understand and make sense of our world. It shows how scientific curiosity can be a powerful tool for healing.

The story explores the importance of friendship. The relationship between Suzy and Franny is beautifully portrayed. Their friendship is a source of joy, support, and shared experiences. Through the exploration of the characters, the book highlights the profound impact that a friend can have on our lives, and the grief that follows their loss.

The use of symbolism in "The Thing About Jellyfish" adds layers of meaning to the narrative. Jellyfish, for example, are a central symbol. They represent the unknown, the mysteries of the ocean, and the elusive nature of life and death. Their transparency mirrors the story's underlying themes of transparency and clarity.

Benjamin's writing style is captivating, weaving together elements of narrative storytelling with scientific facts. The story combines a captivating blend of information and emotion, keeping the reader engaged and interested. The novel's focus is on clear and vivid descriptions that transport readers into Suzy's world, and conveys the emotional and intellectual journey that she undertakes. It is written in a way that can be understood by young readers, while still offering depth and complexity that can be appreciated by adults.

The setting of the novel plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative. The aquarium, with its vast tanks of marine life, represents the mysteries of the ocean and the unknown. The various settings, from Suzy's home to the ocean, provide the backdrop for Suzy's exploration. The shift in setting marks the change that the protagonist undertakes.

"The Thing About Jellyfish" is not just a story about grief; it's a story about resilience, the power of friendship, and the ways we find meaning in the face of loss. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of human connection, the wonder of the natural world, and the enduring impact of those we love. It shows how grief can be a part of the human experience, and is ultimately a story about hope and healing.

Suzy Swanson's character demonstrates courage and determination. The novel showcases how curiosity and the quest for knowledge can be sources of strength. The story illustrates how science can be used to find answers, as well as a vehicle for emotional processing. Through scientific facts and her journey of self-discovery, Suzy learns to come to terms with the loss of her best friend, and the process of grief.

In essence, "The Thing About Jellyfish" is a journey through grief, science, and the enduring power of human connection. The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and the transformative power of understanding and finding answers. It is a story that will resonate with readers of all ages. It celebrates the enduring power of friendship, and reminds us of the importance of exploring the world, both within and without.

The novel's success is a testament to its universal themes and its ability to connect with readers on an emotional level. The story's exploration of loss and grief, along with the importance of friendship, makes "The Thing About Jellyfish" a valuable read for young adults. The book's unique blend of narrative storytelling with scientific facts creates a unique and enriching experience. The author presents the novel in an easily understandable way. It will serve as a poignant and thought-provoking read for readers of all ages.

By exploring the depth of human emotion through the lens of scientific inquiry, "The Thing About Jellyfish" has earned its place as a beloved and significant work of contemporary literature, and is a recommended read for both younger and older readers. It's a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, there is always hope and the possibility of growth.

In closing, "The Thing About Jellyfish" is a complex story that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The story is a beautiful exploration of human emotion, scientific exploration, and the enduring power of friendship. It is a novel that will inspire readers to reflect on their lives, their relationships, and the world around them.

The Thing About Jellyfish Summary and Study Guide SuperSummary

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The Thing About Jellyfish (National Book Award Finalist) by Ali

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