1. It is unusual for a male sciencefiction writer to write in the voice of a young female. Heinlein combines this unusual voice with a first-person narration. Does this combination succeed or fail in Podkayne of Mars?

2. In Time for the Stars, Heinlein also uses the journal form. Compare this book with Podkayne of Mars. Is one book more successful than the other? Does Heinlein succeed in creating realistic diaries? Does the form detract from the plot?

3. Critics have taken Heinlein to task for his treatment of women, especially in the later novels. How does he treat the subject in Podkayne of Mars? Does he disappoint the reader? Do you think the novel would be as popular if published today?

4. Mars figures in other Heinlein novels, such as Red Planet. Using both novels, discuss Heinlein's depiction of Mars and its societies...