Ali Benjamin

The Thing about Jellyfish (National Book Award Finalist)

In stock
  • Share

Stealth Science

Why this book counts

  • Life Science
  • Human Body & Health
  • Story / Adventure
  • Maker / Problem-Solving

The Thing about Jellyfish gives grieving Suzy a rare-sting hypothesis for her friend's drowning and a desperate plan to prove it by traveling to an expert. Jellyfish biology, causal evidence, and uncertainty become inseparable from her attempt to make a senseless death feel explainable.

The science inside

  • Oceans & Marine Life
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Medicine & Health

Your child will meet:

  • Jellyfish tentacles contain specialized stinging cells used for feeding and defense.
  • A possible biological mechanism does not establish that it caused a particular event.
  • A causal hypothesis needs evidence that distinguishes it from other explanations.
  • Scientific uncertainty can remain even after extensive research and expert consultation.

Use it this way

Build a compassionate claim map with Suzy's hypothesis, evidence for it, missing evidence, and alternative explanations, then ask what conclusion the record can honestly support. Do not turn the exercise into criticism of Suzy's grief, diagnose a bereaved person, or use the novel as sting-treatment guidance.

Parent effort: Simple activity

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.

Excellent! 3070 item(s) left in stock!
0 days
0 hours
0 mins
0 secs
  • Price:
    Regular price $9.99
    Shipping calculated at checkout.
Subtotal: $9.99
Shipping

We will ship anywhere in the US. Read our complete shipping policy here.

Returns

If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, we make it easy to return items within 30 days. You can read our full hassle-free return policy here.

loading

FAQs

Please read our frequently asked questions to find out more about this item

How soon will my order arrive?
  • Physical orders usually ship within 3-5 days and we expect most to arrive to you within 7–14 business days of placing your order. You will receive tracking information so you can follow your order.
  • We ship to US addresses only.
  • Digital orders will arrive in your inbox within a few minutes if not instantaneously. We will send them to the email address you use at checkout.
Can I return my order if it's not what I expected?

We accept refunds on unused physical products within 30 days of delivery. If you receive an incorrect we will replace it or issue a full refund at no cost to you. For more details please see our full Return Policy.

Are your products appropriate for all grades and ages?

We encourage you to read each product description carefully before purchasing and use your own judgment about what is right for your child's age, maturity, and your family's values.

If you have questions about a specific product, feel free to contact us before purchasing.

Do you accept state homeschool allotment funds?

We are happy to work with families across multiple states to help use homeschool allotment and state education funds. Eligibility varies by state and program.

Email us at support@nextchapterhomeschool.com if you have any questions!

We think you'll also enjoy ...