Reading lists and articles featuring Ali Benjamin

Ali Benjamin Biography

Ali Benjamin, an American author, currently resides in Williamstown, Massachusetts.

Renowned for her debut novel The Thing About Jellyfish, Benjamin earned acclaim as a finalist for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature in 2015. This literary work, also a New York Times Best Seller, unfolds the compelling narrative of Suzy, a girl grappling with the belief that her friend’s accidental drowning resulted from a rare jellyfish sting. The story delves into Suzy’s journey of self-imposed silence as she endeavors to substantiate her theory surrounding the tragedy.

Reese Witherspoon’s production company, Pacific Standard, has acquired the film rights for The Thing About Jellyfish, attesting to its cinematic potential.

Beyond the fictional realm, the novel has garnered attention for its potential to inspire young girls to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Benjamin, in interviews, revealed that the scientific elements in the narrative originated from a failed attempt at crafting a non-fiction book about jellyfish for adults.

Critically acclaimed, The Thing About Jellyfish received reviews from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, School Library Journal, and Shelf Awareness. The New York Times acknowledged it as one of the twenty-five notable children’s books of 2015.

In addition to her solo works, Benjamin co-authored The Keeper: The Unguarded Story of Tim Howard (2014) with Tim Howard and Positive: A Memoir (2014) with Paige Rawl. The Keeper achieved New York Times Best Seller status in the sports category. Benjamin’s literary contributions extend to parenting, as seen in The Cleaner Plate Club (2010), a nutritional guide for parents co-authored with Beth Bader.

Venturing into the realm of adult fiction, Benjamin released The Smash-Up on February 23, 2021, through Random House. A reinterpretation of Edith Wharton’s 1911 novella Ethan Frome, the novel unfolds in the politically charged landscape of 2018, aiming to bridge the gap between people’s experiences.

Notably born Alison “Ali” Wade, Benjamin is a Grinnell College graduate, bringing her literary expertise and impactful storytelling to readers of all ages.