A Computer Called Katherine - by Suzanne Slade (Hardcover)

About the Book

The inspiring true story of mathematician Katherine Johnson--made famous by the award-winning film "Hidden Figures"--who counted and computed her way to NASA and helped put a man on the moon. Full color.ull color.

Book Synopsis

The inspiring true story of mathematician Katherine Johnson--made famous by the award-winning film Hidden Figures--who counted and computed her way to NASA and helped put a man on the moon!
Katherine knew it was wrong that African Americans didn't have the same rights as others--as wrong as 5+5=12. She knew it was wrong that people thought women could only be teachers or nurses--as wrong as 10-5=3. And she proved everyone wrong by zooming ahead of her classmates, starting college at fifteen, and eventually joining NASA, where her calculations helped pioneer America's first manned flight into space, its first manned orbit of Earth, and the world's first trip to the moon!
Award-winning author Suzanne Slade and debut artist Veronica Miller Jamison tell the story of a NASA "computer" in this smartly written, charmingly illustrated biography.

Review Quotes

"A charming read [that] will help teach children about this amazing woman."--The Houston Chronicle

"A look into a woman's life who made such a difference in the world."--School Library Connection

"A magnificent biography of an incredible, courageous, unstoppable woman, A Computer Called Katherine is inspirational in every way."--Reading Eagle

"A must-read for every future mathematician who likes to ask questions and find answers."--Mashable

"An uplifting portrait of a no longer so 'hidden' figure."--Publishers Weekly

"Another appealing picture book biography of a successful woman."--School Library Journal

"Engaging."--Booklist

"Her uplifting tale can encourage young readers to dream big bylearning from Katherine's historic efforts, which are too often left out of history lessons."--Mashable

"Inspiring, upbeat, and clever."--The Horn Book

"Slade writes with appealing rhythm and repetition [and] Jamison mixes neatly composed, straightforward action with inventive, swirling images dramatizing Johnson's brilliant calculations."--New York Times

"With vivid watercolor illustrations and an exciting depiction of Katherine Johnson's life from early childhood through adulthood, this is a winning pick for young kids. A Computer Called Katherine offers a great way to introduce them to an important chapter in American history and an incredibly inspiring woman who helped change the world."

--Common Sense Media

An Amazon Best Book of the Month in Nonfiction for Kids for March 2019

2020 Outstanding Science Trade Books (OSTB) for Students K-12 list, by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and the Children's Book Council (CBC)
2020-2021 Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award
Parents' Choice Silver Award

About the Author

Suzanne Slade holds a mechanical engineering degree and worked on NASA's Delta IV rockets. Her recent titles include The Inventor's Secret, Friends for Freedom, With Books and Bricks, and Climbing Lincoln's Steps. She lives in Illinois, and she invites you to visit her online at suzanneslade.com.
Veronica Miller Jamison is an illustrator whose clients include Essence Magazine, Bloomingdales, and Hallmark. A Computer Called Katherine is her debut picture book. She is an alumna of Howard University and Drexel University, and she lives outside Philadelphia. She invites you to visit her online at veronicamarche.com.