Monica Hughes

Monica Hughes studied at University of Edinburgh. The recorded working language is English. The field of work recorded is scientific non-fiction literature and children's and young adult literature. Works named in the authority record are The Keeper of the Isis Light. Distinctions recorded are Officer of the Order of Canada.

• Name — Monica Hughes • Birthplace — Liverpool, England • Born — 3 November 1925 • Died — 7 March 2003 • Place of death — Edmonton, Alberta, Canada • Occupation — Writer • Period — 1974–2002 • Genre — Children's science fiction, adventure, and historical fiction • Notable Works — * The Keeper of the Isis Light • and its sequels • Spouse — Glen Hughes • Children — Elizabeth, Adrienne, Russell, Thomas

Monica Hughes lived in many different countries, including Egypt, Scotland, England and Zimbabwe. She was the daughter of Phylis Fry and E.L Ince. Both her parents worked at the University of Liverpool, where her father was a mathematician and her mother a biologist. In her school years, her teachers always encouraged her to write and join essay-writing competitions. Hughes attended Edinburgh University from 1942 to 1943. Hughes' academic studies were interrupted as a result of World War II. She joined the Military service, the Women's Royal Naval Service, from the years 1943–1946, cracking German codes. After returning from the war, Hughes went back to university to study Meteorology. She married Glen Hughes on April 22, 1957, and together they had four children. Before becoming a writer, Hughes had many other careers. She was a dress designer in London, England, and Bulawayo, Zimbabwe between 1948–1949. She was also a bank clerk in 1951, and a laboratory technician from 1952 to 1957. Having written over 35 books for young people, Monica Hughes is known as one of Canada's best writers for children and young adults. Many of her books are science fiction. Monica Hughes has repeatedly been called "Canada's finest writer of science fiction for children", by critic Sarah Ellis in The Horn Book Magazine. When not writing or not in school, Hughes was said to enjoy swimming, walking, gardening and beachcombing.