In this introduction to science fiction for young adults, Reid explores the lives and works of eight major figures of particular interest to teenage readers such as Doug Hill, O.S. Card, Douglas Adams and Octavia Butler looking at themes such as feminist science fiction, the "cyberpunk" vogue and humor. Author list: Orson Scott Card, Douglas Hill, H. M. Hoover, Pamela Sargent, Octavia Butler, Pamela Service, Piers Anthony, and Douglas Adams.