Picture a New York storyteller who turned apocalyptic nightmares and family dramas into gripping young adult tales—meet Susan Beth Pfeffer! Born in 1948, this prolific author penned over sixty books, weaving stories that tackle tough topics with heart and humor. Best known for her bestselling The Last Survivors series, Pfeffer’s knack for authentic teen voices has captivated readers worldwide.
From her early days dreaming up quirky tales to her rise as a young adult fiction star, Pfeffer’s journey is as compelling as her novels. Let’s dive into the life, works, and lasting impact of this literary gem.
The Making of Susan Beth Pfeffer
Susan Beth Pfeffer was born on February 17, 1948, in New York City, to Leo, a lawyer and professor, and Freda, a secretary. Growing up in Queens before moving to Long Island’s suburbs, she found inspiration in the city’s vibrant energy, frequenting the Metropolitan Museum of Art. At six, watching her father publish a book on constitutional law sparked her own writing dreams. Her first story? A whimsical romance between an Oreo cookie and a pair of scissors! By 1970, while still at New York University, she published her debut novel, Just Morgan, kicking off a lifelong career.
Despite a rocky school experience—Pfeffer admitted to hating classes and clashing with teachers—her love for books, biographies, and movies fueled her creativity. This outsider perspective shaped her ability to craft relatable, complex characters.
Susan Beth Pfeffer’s Unforgettable Stories
Pfeffer’s bibliography spans picture books to young adult novels, but her young adult works shine brightest. Her stories often explore family dynamics and teens facing adult-sized problems, delivered with emotional depth and realistic dialogue. About David (1980), a haunting tale of a teen grappling with a friend’s tragic act, earned the South Carolina Young Adult Book Award. The Year Without Michael (1987), a heart-wrenching story of a missing sibling, was named an ALA Best Book for Young Adults and listed among the top 100 teen books from 1968–1993.
Her The Last Survivors series, starting with Life As We Knew It (2006), catapulted her to wider fame. Inspired by the film Meteor, this post-apocalyptic saga follows teens navigating a world altered by a moon-crashing asteroid. A New York Times bestseller, it won accolades like the Booklist Editor’s Choice Award. The Sebastian Sisters series, another fan favorite, chronicles the lives of four sisters and their mother, blending humor and heartache as each turns sixteen.
Pfeffer’s style is marked by her “acute ear” for dialogue, as Publishers Weekly noted, and her ability to balance heavy themes—suicide, loss, survival—with hope and humor. Whether tackling historical fiction like Portraits of Little Women or sci-fi, she keeps readers hooked with vivid characters and gripping plots.
Why Susan Beth Pfeffer Matters
Susan Beth Pfeffer’s impact on young adult literature lies in her fearless exploration of real-world issues through a teen lens. Her stories resonate with readers navigating their own challenges, offering both solace and strength. Awards like the Dorothy Canfield Fisher and Buxtehude Bull prizes underscore her influence, while her school visits kept her connected to the teens she wrote for.
By portraying young women on the cusp of self-discovery, Pfeffer inspired a generation to face life’s complexities with courage. Her work remains a beacon for aspiring writers, proving that storytelling can be both a passion and a profession.
About Susan Beth Pfeffer
- Born: February 17, 1948, in New York City
- Key Works: Life As We Knew It, The Year Without Michael, About David
- Awards: South Carolina Young Adult Book Award, ALA Best Book for Young Adults
- Hobbies: Old movies, baseball, collecting used books
Ready to explore a world where teens face the unthinkable with grit and grace? Snag Life As We Knew It and dive into Susan Beth Pfeffer’s unforgettable young adult adventures!