Now available in paperback, 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!Everyone says that it was an accident... that sometimes things just happen . But Suzy won't believe it. Ever. After her best friend dies in a drowning accident, Suzy is convinced that the true cause of the tragedy was a rare jellyfish sting. 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.
* An uncommonly fine first novel. --
Booklist, starred review
* Has appeal well beyond a middle school audience. --
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
* Reminiscent of works by Jennifer L. Holm and Sharon Creech... a shining example of the highs and lows of early adolescence. --
Publishers Weekly, starred reviewAli Benjamin is a National Book Award Finalist for
The Thing About Jellyfish, and the co-writer for HIV-positive teen Paige Rawl's coming-of-age memoir
Positiveas well as Tim Howard's
New York Timesbestseller
The Keeper. She is a member of New England Science Writers and has written for
TheBoston Globe Magazine,
Martha Stewart's Whole Living, and Sesame Street. She lives in Massachusetts.
* A painful story smartly told, Benjamin's first solo novel has appeal well beyond a middle school audience.
Kirkus Reviews, starred review* Reminiscent of works by Jennifer L. Holm and Sharon Creech, Benjamin's novel is a shininl1