Podkayne of Mars features three main characters: Podkayne, Clark, and Uncle Tom. Podkayne is a bright, adventurous sixteen-year-old whose ambition is to become the first woman deep-space pilot. She has looked forward to the trip to Earth because she wants to explore a space vessel and learn as much as possible about flight. Poddy is aware that she is attractive to men, and she candidly uses her feminine charms to flatter the egos of the captain and his crew.

They, in turn, allow this "harmless" young woman into areas of the ship that are off-limits to the other passengers.

Podkayne's driving ambition is tempered by a great love for infants, which emerges more strongly as the story develops. She finds herself in a dilemma, trying to envision a career that will unite and balance both sides of her character.

Podkayne sees life as an...