Quick Take

Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math...really good.They participated in some of NASA's greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America's first journeys into space. And they did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius minds to change the world.In this illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as "colored computers," and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race

Introduction

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race is a captivating picture book that tells the inspiring story of four African American women who overcame gender and racial barriers to make significant contributions to the US space program. Written by Margot Lee Shetterly, this book sheds light on the lives of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, known as "colored computers," who used their mathematical skills to help NASA achieve great successes during the Space Race. With stunning illustrations and a compelling narrative, this book is a must-read for young readers who are interested in history, science, and the power of determination.

About Margot Lee Shetterly

Margot Lee Shetterly is an author and researcher who has dedicated her career to uncovering the hidden stories of African American women who have made significant contributions to various fields. Her book, Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race, is based on extensive research and interviews with the women featured in the book. Shetterly's passion for telling these stories has inspired countless readers to learn more about the achievements of these remarkable women.

Analysis of Views

Inspiring and Empowering: Many readers found Hidden Figures to be an inspiring and empowering book that highlights the achievements of black women in a field traditionally dominated by men. The stories of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden serve as a reminder that with hard work, determination, and a love for math, anything is possible.
Important Historical Context: Readers appreciated the book's inclusion of historical context, including the Civil Rights Movement and the challenges faced by African Americans during that time. By understanding the broader social and cultural context in which these women worked, readers gained a deeper appreciation for their accomplishments.
Engaging Illustrations: The colorful and eye-catching illustrations in Hidden Figures were praised by many readers. The illustrations not only complemented the text but also helped to bring the story to life, making it accessible and enjoyable for young readers.
Age-Appropriate Language: The book's use of age-appropriate language was commended by readers. While it tackled important social issues such as racism and sexism, it did so in a way that was clear and understandable for children. This made it an ideal choice for classroom use and family reading aloud.
Lack of Connection Between Women: Some readers felt that the book lacked a strong connection between the four women featured in the story. While each woman had her own unique story, they were presented as isolated individuals rather than a cohesive group. This detracted from the overall impact of the narrative.

Reasons for Recommendation

Inspiring Role Models: Hidden Figures introduces young readers to four remarkable women who broke barriers and achieved great success in their careers. Their stories serve as inspiring role models for children who may face similar challenges in their own lives.
Important Historical Context: By exploring the historical context in which these women worked, Hidden Figures provides a valuable educational experience for young readers. It helps them understand the broader social and cultural landscape of the time and how it shaped their experiences.
Engaging Illustrations: The book's captivating illustrations make it visually appealing and enjoyable to read aloud. They bring the story to life and make it accessible to children who may not have prior knowledge of this important chapter in history.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Lack of Connection Between Women: Some readers felt that the book lacked a strong connection between the four women featured in the story. This detracted from the overall impact of the narrative and made it difficult for readers to fully engage with the women's individual stories.
Text Heaviness: While Hidden Figures contains valuable information about the lives of these women, some readers found it text-heavy and difficult to follow as a read-aloud book. The lack of flow between the women's stories made it challenging for children to fully comprehend and appreciate their individual journeys.

Conclusion

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race is a must-read book for young readers who are interested in history, science, and the power of determination. Margot Lee Shetterly's research shines a light on four remarkable women who overcame gender and racial barriers to make significant contributions to NASA's space program. With engaging illustrations and age-appropriate language, this book provides an important educational experience while inspiring children to dream big and pursue their passions. While some readers found it text-heavy or lacking in connection between the women, Hidden Figures remains a powerful reminder of the achievements of black women in STEM fields and their role in shaping history.