Elsewhere

Elsewhere

• Genre: Young adult fiction; fantasy
• Originally Published: 2005
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 720L; ages 12 and up
• Structure/Length: Divided into chapters; approx. 304 pages; approx. 7 hours, 2 minutes on audiobook
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Elsewhere is a young adult fantasy novel that follows the story of Liz Hall, a 15-year-old girl who wakes up in a place called Elsewhere after a fatal accident. The central conflict revolves around Liz’s adjustment to this afterlife, which is both familiar and peculiar. In Elsewhere, people age backward until they become infants, and then they are reborn into the living world. As Liz navigates this new existence, she forms bonds, makes discoveries, and questions the meaning of life and death. The novel explores themes of acceptance, loss, and the beauty of ordinary life.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Themes of death and the afterlife

Gabrielle Zevin, Author

• Bio: Contemporary American author known for her young adult and adult fiction; often combines elements of fantasy, romance, and introspection in her work; has authored a range of novels that resonate with readers for their memorable characters and unique premises
• Other Works: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow (2022); Margarettown (2018); Young Jane Young (2017); The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry (2014); All These Things I’ve Done (2011); The Hole We’re In (2010); Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac (2007)
• Awards: Goodreads Choice Award for Fiction and Book of the Month Club’s Book of the Year (2022); Southern California Independent Booksellers Award for Fiction, Japan Booksellers’ Prize, and longlisted for the International Dublin Literary Award (2014); Independent Spirit Award Nomination for Best First Screenplay (2005)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Accepting Loss and Embracing Change
• The Power of Love in All Its Forms
• The Role of Choice and Agency in Human Life

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

• Explore background information on coming-of-age stories and the developmental process of understanding mortality to increase their engagement with and understanding of Elsewhere.
• Read/study short paired texts and other resources to deepen their understanding of themes related to Accepting Loss and Embracing Change, The Power of Love in All Its Forms, and The Role of Choice and Agency in Human Life.
• Demonstrate their understanding of the relationship of Elsewhere to “Ozymandias” by creating an illustrated version of Shelley’s poem featuring scenes from Liz’s life.
• Analyze the significance of various elements of the novel, such as symbolism, motif, characterization, plot detail, imagery, and analogy, and construct essay responses tying these to the novel’s meaning.