Life As We Knew It

Life As We Knew It

• Genre: Fiction; YA science fiction/speculative
• Originally Published: 2006
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 770L; grades 7-12
• Structure/Length: 21 chapters; approx. 352 pages; approx. 9 hours on audio
• Protagonist and Central Conflict: Told through the first-person journal entries of 16-year-old Miranda, the story details the struggle to survive a catastrophic asteroid event that results in the destruction of Earth’s coastal cities, premature winter from volcanic ash, and the consequent failure of many societal infrastructures. When a flu epidemic further threatens her family, Miranda must take drastic action to try to save her mother and brothers.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues:  Death and dying; suicide; natural disaster; epidemic

Susan Beth Pfeffer, Author

• Bio: Born in New York in 1948; published first novel while still in college at New York University (Just Morgan, 1970); moved to Middletown, New York, after earning her university degree and established a life-long writing career; has written more than 75 novels, many of which feature family relationships and conflicts; has written picture books, YA novels, and a how-to for adults on writing
• Other Works: About David (1980); Courage, Dana (1983); Family of Strangers (1992); Sara Kate Saves the World (1995); Justice for Emily (1997); The Dead and the Gone (sequel to Life As We Knew It; 2008); Blood Wounds (2011)
• Awards: Young Adult Library Services Association's Best Books for Young Adults (2007); Andre Norton Award for Outstanding Science Fiction or Fantasy Book (shortlisted; 2007)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

• Faith
• Love
• Survival
• Maturity

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:

• Develop an understanding of the characteristics of science fiction by analyzing the ways in which the author employs these elements to create a realistic view of a far-out scenario.
• Read and study short, paired texts and other resources to deepen their understanding of themes related to Faith, Love, Survival, and Maturity.
• Prepare and present a short performance that compares and reflects the growth and Maturity of the characters after what they have endured.
• Analyze textual elements such as detail, character development, and setting and construct essay responses connecting these elements to the novel’s themes.