The Thing About Jellyfish (National Book Award Finalist)
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What’s inside...
This stunning debut novel about grief and wonder was an instant New York Times bestseller and captured widespread critical acclaim, including selection as a 2015 National Book Award finalist! After her best friend dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the tragedy must have been a rare jellyfish sting--things don't just happen for no reason. Retreating into a silent world of imagination, she crafts a plan to prove her theory--even if it means traveling the globe, alone. Suzy's achingly heartfelt journey explores life, death, the astonishing wonder of the universe...and the potential for love and hope right next door. Oddlot Entertainment has acquired the screen rights to The Thing About Jellyfish, with Gigi Pritzker set to produce with Bruna Papandrea and Reese Witherspoon.
Age
10-12
Length
352 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Suzy Swanson
Franny Jackson
Ms. Turton
Mrs. Swanson
Dr. Bloom
Discussion points
What do you think Suzy learned about friendship and loss throughout her journey?
How did Suzy's project on jellyfish help her cope with her feelings about what happened to Franny?
What role do you think silence plays in the story, and how does it affect the characters?
Why do you think understanding nature and science is important for Suzy and in general?
How do you think the story would change if Suzy communicated her feelings to others more openly?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about loss or changes in friendships, relating it to Suzy's experiences.
Discuss the importance of science and curiosity in understanding the world, highlighted by Suzy's fascination with jellyfish.
Highlight the significance of communication and ask your child how they might have handled situations differently than Suzy.
Explore themes of forgiveness and acceptance, asking your child how they perceive Suzy's reactions and growth throughout the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Coping with Loss
Explanation: The protagonist, Suzy, grapples with the sudden loss of her best friend and finds solace in learning about jellyfish. This process depicts an emotional journey that highlights the various stages of grief and ultimately, acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that grief is a natural response to loss and that finding a personal way to cope, like Suzy did, can help them heal and make sense of their emotions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: Suzy chooses silence as a way to deal with her grief initially but learns throughout the book that expressing herself and reaching out to others is crucial for her emotional well-being.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to express their feelings and communicate openly with others, showing them the benefits of sharing thoughts and emotions rather than keeping them bottled up.
Example Lesson: Embracing Curiosity
Explanation: Suzy's deep dive into the science of jellyfish is driven by her need to understand the circumstances of her friend’s death. Her quest for knowledge demonstrates how curiosity can lead to understanding and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children learn that asking questions and seeking answers can provide a deeper understanding of the world around them, and can be a useful tool in dealing with their own life challenges.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The story reflects on Suzy's relationship with her best friend and through flashbacks, shows how vital and impactful friendships can be in one’s life.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate and nurture their relationships, understanding the role of a friend and the importance of empathy and support.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Throughout the book, Suzy shows resilience in the face of her grief and her struggles in school, which underscores the theme of growing through personal challenges.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persevere through their own difficulties, understanding that overcoming obstacles is part of life and can lead to personal growth and strength.