The work of Monica Hughes, like most science fiction, is international in its scope.

She deals with global issues but gives them substance in a way that makes them immediate and connects the personal with the political; the best example of this is how Hughes links the sociological theme of The Isis Pedlar with the theme of Moira's being torn between her father and David.

It is morally, ethically, socially, and legally wrong for Mike Flynn to land on the quarantined planet Isis and exploit the settlers' ignorance. Hughes goes to considerable efforts to make it clear that Mike is not a castaway minimizing the impact of his presence.

Monica Hughes has been called "Canada's finest writer of science fiction for children" by critic Sarah Ellis in Horn Book magazine. Ellis goes on to say: "There is a gentleness to her books that is rare in...