Some hearts beat only about 412 million times. Which might sound like a lot. But the truth is, it barely even gets you twelve years.
Suzy Swanson has always known things that others don't. She can explain the sleep patterns of ants. She knows there are 150 million jellyfish stings on the planet every year. She knows that the average middle school kid contains about 20 billion of Shakespeare's atoms. But she can't understand how Franny Jackson's lifetime could be cut so short ... before Suzy could make up for the worst thing she'd ever done to her friend.
As Suzy retreats into a silent world of her imagination, she finds that the universe won't allow her escape into her grief. Astonishing wonders are all around her ... as are the love and hope she desperately needs to forgive herself. This achingly heartfelt story explores the defining moment in each of our lives when we first realize that not all stories have happy endings ... but that brand-new stories are waiting to bloom.
Filled with characters who are authentic, supportive, and relatable, this coming-of-age story includes thought-provoking scientific ideas and realistic life experiences that will pull in any reader who enjoys middle-grade realistic fiction, science and problem-solving, and exploring the challenges of making (and keeping) friends.
Discussion questions can be found here. Visit the Grade 5 page for links to some pretty amazing videos and web sites that were referenced in The Thing About Jellyfish.
Happy reading!
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