Considered one of Scotland's most accomplished contemporary writers for children and young adults, Joan Lingard is regularly praised for creating works that are characterized by challenging themes, authentic portrayals of current and historical events, and perceptive depictions of people and relationships. The author of picture books for preschoolers, stories for primary and middle graders, novels for young adults, and fiction for adults, she is regarded as an exceptional storyteller whose books are candid and thought-provoking, interesting and accessible.

Lingard is often recognized for the objective, impartial stance that she takes toward the difficult issues that she presents in her works. For example, her "Kevin and Sadie" series of young adult novels, which are some of the author's best-known books, features a Catholic boy and Protestant girl who try to maintain their love against the background of "the Troubles," Northern Ireland's violent religious war. The author, who spent her...