The Thing about Jellyfish (National Book Award Finalist)

by Ali Benjamin

[Beth C.]

What happens when you're 12 and the person you have always considered your best friend dies suddenly. You don't find out for two days, and - even worse - you never have the chance to say goodbye. Nor do you have the opportunity to apologize for your last act - meant with the best of intentions, but not received as such. When maybe you're a little different than the average 12-year-old girl, and you suddenly learn that a rare jellyfish is migrating north and the sting could be unnoticed. If you're Suzy, you begin to research that jellyfish in order to convince everyone - but mostly yourself - that things *don't just happen*.

While the book is a middle-grade level book, the story contained within is appropriate for all ages. It is unique and absolutely beautifully written. Suzy has a voice that is all her own, but her struggles to accept the death of her friend and what that means for her own life, are universal. The book is divided into parts that have sections within them. Each part begins with instruction from Suzy's science teacher about how to do a scientific research paper. Then the sections alternate between Suzy's research and her remembrances of her friendship with Franny throughout their 12 years. In a sense, the book is a scientific research paper regarding love, loss, and acceptance.

The characters in the story are so beautifully...human. As a parent, I know that "sometimes things just happen" has crossed my lips - and never have I appreciated that internal struggle that it could cause in someone who strongly appreciates order and reason. And yet...sometimes they do. Coming to terms with that can take years for some, and some never do. This is the beautiful tale of a girl who begins to learn that sometimes, things aren't what we want them to be, and change is just a part of life. An excellent book for a discussion of love and loss, and for any classroom, library, or home.