The Thing about Jellyfish (National Book Award Finalist)

“A painful story smartly told, Benjamin’s first solo novel has appeal well beyond a middle school audience.”–Kirkus Reviews, starred review“Benjamin’s involving novel features clean, fluid writing that is highly accessible, yet rich with possibilities for discussion…. Her highly individual, first-person narrative makes compelling reading…. An uncommonly fine first novel.”–Booklist, starred review“Benjamin’s sense of timing and delivery is extraordinary, as she blends the visceral experiences of Suzy’s journey with an internal dialogue that is authentic and poignant….readers…will fully immerse themselves in this superbly written, heartfelt novel.”–School Library Journal, starred review“Reminiscent of works by Jennifer L. Holm and Sharon Creech, Benjamin’s novel is a shining example of the highs and lows of early adolescence.”–Publishers Weekly, starred review*“This novel has it all: just-right pacing, authentic voices and characters, beautifully crafted plot, and superb writing. Readers will find that this story lingers with them after the book is closed.”–VOYA, starred review“A heartfelt read for kids and adults.”–First for Women Magazine“Seventh-grade narrator Suzy Swanson will win readers’ hearts as she silently struggles to come to terms with her complex emotions over the death of her former best friend.”–Shelf Awareness“There are…a lot of children who might not only benefit from this book but also find themselves deeply moved by it.”–New York Times Book Review

Ali Benjamin is a National Book Award Finalist for The Thing About Jellyfish and the author of The Next Great Paulie Fink, as well as the adult novel The Smash-Up. She is also the co-writer for HIV-positive teen Paige Rawl’s coming-of-age memoir Positive and Tim Howard’s New York Times bestseller The Keeper. She is a member of New England Science Writers and has written for The Boston Globe Magazine, Martha Stewart’s Whole Living, and Sesame Street. She lives in Massachusetts.