Books like The thing about jellyfish by Ali Benjamin
Suzy Swanson has a knack for learning the minutiae of the natural world—from ants’ sleep patterns to the millions of jellyfish stings that occur each year. When her best friend, Franny Jackson, is tragically killed, Suzy retreats into her thoughts, pondering how a life can end so abruptly. The story follows her journey through sorrow and wonder as she confronts the weight of her own guilt and seeks the courage to forgive herself and honor Franny’s memory.
First publish date: 2015
Genre: Children's Fiction/Children's Adventure
Authors: Ali Benjamin
★
★
★
★
★
4.7 (6 community ratings)
How are these books recommended?
The books recommended for The thing about jellyfish by Ali Benjamin are shaped by reader interaction. Votes on how closely books relate, user ratings, and community comments all help refine these recommendations and highlight books readers genuinely find similar in theme, ideas, and overall reading experience.
Have you read any of these books?
Your votes, ratings, and comments help improve recommendations and make it easier
for other readers to discover books they’ll enjoy.
Books similar to The thing about jellyfish (20 similar books)
Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novel follows middle‑school theater enthusiast Callie as she designs a blue‑grass‑tired set for a school play, grappling with teamwork, budgets, and the drama of friendship and family.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Three teenagers from different eras and continents embark on perilous journeys to escape war, persecution, and tyranny, each facing drowning, bombings and betrayal, yet their stories converge, showing that hope endures across time and borders.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A nine‑year‑old girl named Ada escapes her abusive home amid World War II, joining her brother in London’s evacuation; she learns to ride a pony, reads, and finds a new family with Susan Smith while watching for German spies.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Rafe Khatchadorian arrives at Camp Wannamorra, where he and his bunkmates must contend with the popular kids who try to sabotage their summer, turning boredom into adventure and friendship.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
When a poor family faces eviction, the boy Jackson turns to his imaginary cat, Crenshaw, in a heart‑warming story that shows how friendship and resilience can keep a family together.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A teenage boy confronts the loss of his best friend, wrestles with guilt and grief, and ultimately learns to honor their shared memories and forgive himself.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Jade dreams of escape from her rough neighborhood and seizes a scholarship to a predominantly‑white private school, but faces the challenges of fitting in and navigating mentorship programs aimed at at‑risk Black girls.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A touching YA story of grief and renewal as Caitlin confronts her best friend’s suicide, finds new love, and discovers that true friendship endures beyond loss.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Anna embarks on a twenty‑day summer adventure in Zanzibar Bay, playing a game of one‑boy‑a‑day with her best friend Frankie—only to discover she already knows the heart‑breaking pull of love and grief.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A high‑schooler in South Texas explores family, friendship, and grief while seeking answers about her world and her beloved books.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A touching tale of a polar bear named Ida who mourns the loss of a dear friend, drawing from the real-life bond between Gus and Ida at New York’s Central Park Zoo.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
A young adult mystery novel about a 18-year-old girl who tries to understand why her best friend committed suicide.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Describes the characteristics of various types of jellyfishes, their life cycle, habitat, behavior, and relationship to man. Also suggests how to avoid stings while swimming and gives instructions for making a model jellyfish.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Eleven‑year‑old Edwina struggles to keep her friendship with Sally strong as Sally’s grandmother faces a terminal illness and the inevitable final good‑bye.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Sam tries to make new friend Buddy after his mother's sudden death in fifth grade, but fears it will tear him away from his best friend Alex.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Explore the fascinating world of jellyfish, from their translucent bodies and vibrant colors to their ancient origins and stinging tentacles.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
When their father dies, nine‑year‑old Vinnie and five‑year‑old Mason must learn to cope with grief in different ways—one in silence—helped by their new friend, Lupe, the flip‑flop girl.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Peer‑aged buddies Peanut Butter and Jellyfish endure teasing from their crabby neighbor, Crabby. When he gets stuck in trouble, the unlikely friends step in to help, turning a bullies’ taunts into a heart‑warming act of kindness.
Similar?
✓ Yes
0
✗ No
0
Some Other Similar Books
The Truth of the Matter by Laura Lee GulledgeImaginary Borders by Kelly Yang
One for the Murphys by Lester Laminack
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
Have a similar book in mind? Let others know!
Please login to submit books!