Bozeman Magazine

This month's selection: The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin  

In seven parts neatly organized around the scientific method as presented by Mrs. Turton, a middle school teacher who really gets the fragility of her students, Zu examines and analyzes past and present. A painful story of friendship made and lost emerges: the inseparable early years, Franny's pulling away, Zu's increasing social isolation, and a final attempt by Zu to honor a childhood pact. The author gently paints Zu as a bit of an oddball; not knowing what hair product to use leaves her feeling "like a separate species altogether," and knowing too many species of jellyfish earns her the nickname Medusa. Surrounded by the cruelty of adolescence, Zu is awkward, smart, methodical, and driven by sadness. She eventually follows her research far beyond the middle school norm, because " 'Sometimes things just happen' is not an explanation. It is not remotely scientific."

The Library Foundation and Humanities Montana have funded our Kids Book Club to allow us to purchase a copy of each title for those readers interested in joining us for the discussion. Once books have been purchased, they can be picked up during curbside at the Library Tuesday - Friday, 10 AM - 6 PM, and Saturday 10 AM - 2 PM. These are books you can keep but you are required to attend the discussion. Email Cindy for a copy of the book or call the Children's Desk at 582-2404 for details.

The book club is open to readers 8 and up; parents are welcome!