In her new apocalyptic novel for teens, “Life As We Knew It,” award-winning author Susan Beth Pfeffer creates a frightening scenario in the not-too-distant future: Sixteen-year-old Miranda is only mildly interested when scientists announce that an asteroid will hit the moon. But in one minute, Miranda goes from being a typical American teenager, worrying about having a date for the prom, to fighting for survival in a world where nothing can be taken for granted. Told in journal entries, “Life As We Knew It” is the heart-pounding story of Miranda’s coming of age in a world where a can of beans is a precious resource. Launch date: October 2006.