The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin is a deeply moving contemporary novel that explores grief, friendship, and the search for understanding. The story follows Suzy Swanson, a quiet and curious girl who becomes convinced that her best friend’s sudden death must have a scientific explanation—possibly involving a rare jellyfish sting. As she withdraws from the world around her, Suzy turns to research and observation, trying to make sense of loss through logic and discovery. In this course, students will explore themes such as grief, communication, loneliness, and the intersection of science and emotion. Through close reading, guided discussion, and literary analysis, students will examine narrative voice, character development, and the use of scientific information within storytelling. Writing activities will include reflective responses, personal connections, and structured analytical paragraphs. The course strengthens reading comprehension, critical thinking, and expressive writing while encouraging students to engage thoughtfully with both emotional and intellectual aspects of the text.