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Screenwise Verdict
This is the kind of middle-grade novel that wins awards for good reason—it's beautifully written, emotionally intelligent, and treats kids as capable of handling big, hard feelings. The jellyfish science is genuinely interesting and woven seamlessly into Suzy's journey through grief.
That said, this isn't a beach read. It's heavy. A child dies, and the entire book is about processing that loss. Some kids will find it cathartic and profound; others might find it too sad or slow. The fact that Suzy stops speaking adds to the contemplative, internal quality that won't work for every reader.
The stealing subplot is handled thoughtfully—Suzy knows it's wrong, feels guilty, and faces consequences—but it's worth discussing with your kid. Overall, this is an excellent choice for thoughtful, curious middle schoolers who are ready for literature that doesn't shy away from life's hardest questions.
Age Fit
Best for ages 9-13, particularly kids who are ready for emotionally complex, literary middle-grade fiction. The grief themes and slower, contemplative pacing make this better suited for mature or advanced readers rather than action-seekers.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
88
Handles grief, friendship, and loss with emotional maturity and tenderness. Suzy is a strong role model for scientific curiosity and perseverance. The story models healthy processing of difficult emotions, though Suzy does retreat into silence as a coping mechanism. Her journey toward reconnection and acceptance is portrayed with nuance and care.
Imaginative
85
Blends scientific wonder about jellyfish and marine biology with a deeply imaginative internal world. Suzy's quest to prove her theory requires creative problem-solving and research. The narrative structure itself is inventive, weaving together flashbacks, scientific facts, and a child's unique perspective on making sense of tragedy.
Safe
72
Deals with the death of a child (drowning) as a central plot point, which is inherently heavy but handled in a literary, non-graphic way. Suzy steals money and credit card information from her parents and cash from her brother to fund her plan, which could be concerning behavior to discuss. No violence, gore, or inappropriate content, but the grief and loss themes require emotional readiness. Common Sense Media confirms death and grief are explored in 'nongraphic, literary detail.'
Enriching
90
National Book Award finalist with significant educational value about marine biology, scientific inquiry, and the scientific method. Offers profound insights into grief, friendship, growing up, and how we make meaning from loss. Encourages empathy and critical thinking. The combination of STEM learning with emotional intelligence makes this exceptionally enriching for middle-grade readers.
Parent Info
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Why It Might Be Great
National Book Award finalist that treats kids' grief with the seriousness and literary beauty it deserves
Suzy is a fantastic role model for scientific thinking—she researches, hypothesizes, and problem-solves like a real scientist
Packed with actual marine biology facts about jellyfish that will hook curious kids
Explores the messy reality of middle school friendships—how they fracture, heal, and haunt us
Reese Witherspoon thought it was good enough to option for film, if that tells you anything
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What to Watch For
The entire premise is processing a friend's death—this isn't light reading, and some kids may find it too heavy or triggering
Suzy steals from her parents and brother to fund her jellyfish investigation, which is portrayed as wrong but also sympathetically
The protagonist stops speaking for much of the book, which might frustrate some readers but is a realistic grief response
Best for kids who are ready to sit with sad, contemplative feelings rather than action-packed plots
Conversation Starters
"Why do you think Suzy stopped talking? Have you ever felt like words just weren't enough?"
"Do you think Suzy's jellyfish theory was really about science, or about something else?"
"What would you do if you lost a friend and felt like you never got to say goodbye?"
"Suzy stole from her family—was that okay because she was grieving, or is it never okay? What would you have done?"
"What's the coolest thing you learned about jellyfish from this book?"
