Life as we Knew it

Pfeffer, Susan Beth. Life as we Knew it. Harcourt, 2006. ISBN-13: 978-0-15-205826-5.

Plot
Miranda is just finishing up her sophomore year in high school. She is very busy with being a typical teenager living with a single mom and two brothers. Life is just normal until there is news of a meteor hitting the moon out of orbit and the climate and environment start to change. Suddenly Miranda and her family find themselves fighting for survival in their home with limited supplies. Her family must find a way to survive at least until help arrives.

Critical Evaluation
This book is written in diary format with Miranda narrating. This unique style of narration is a welcomed change and the reader does not feel left out or that there are any gaps in the story. This book is a light read with serious issues about family, relationships and survival. Readers will be eager to get to the end while hoping that all survive. Even though the book deals with survival and bleak environments, the book is sad but not overly depressing.

Reader's Annotation
Miranda is a typical teenager with typical worries, until a meteor hits the moon out of orbit and suddenly the climate changes. Now Miranda and her family must fight to survive within their own neighborhood.

About the Author
Susan Beth Pfeffer is a native of New York City and studied at New York University. She has written over sixty books for children and young adults. Additionally she has won many awards for her work including the South Carolina Young Adult Book Award and ALA Best Book for Young Adults award for The Year Without Micheal.

Pfeffer currently resides in Middletown, New York with her two cats.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum
Natural Disasters Fiction
Family Life fiction
Science Fiction

Book Talking Ideas
Do you think the natural disaster forced Miranda's family to be closer?
Why was everyone willing to let Johnny eat more?
Do you think you are prepared for a natural disaster?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
None

Why Included in Selection
I have read few books that involved natural disasters. This book was not only interesting but unique in its premise.