In this collection of essays, authorities on a wide range of topics related to science fiction discuss themes and particular works of special interest to young readers. The chapters cover the founding works of science fiction for young readers, specific authors and their works, and science fiction as a vehicle for exploring philosophical, religious, and social ideas. Essays discuss the literary and thematic elements of science fiction and shed light on the evolution of science fiction as a genre for young readers.



The volume begins with a section of essays on the origins of science fiction as a genre for young readers. In this section are chapters on such topics as Victor Appleton's Tom Swift series, the contributions of Madeleine L'Engle, the impact and influence of Isaac Asimov, and the significance of Robert A. Heinlein. The second section contains chapters on particular themes, authors, and literary works. By approaching works and authors through particular themes, the chapters in this section offer a comprehensive view of the achievements of individual writers and demonstrate how certain themes bind together a particular author's works. The third section, on science fiction as a vehicle for ideas, steps away from the literary and stylistic devices of science fiction and looks beyond the genre to the larger ideas that science fiction conveys.