Hidden Figures - by Margot Lee Shetterly (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

Based on the New York Times bestselling book and the Academy Award--nominated movie, author Margot Lee Shetterly and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award winner Laura Freeman bring the incredibly inspiring true story of four black women in STEM who helped NASA launch men into space to picture book readers!

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 beautifully illustrated picture book biography, 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, becoming heroes of the Space Race.

"Finally, the extraordinary lives of four African American women who helped NASA put the first men in space is available for picture book readers," proclaims Brightly in their article "18 Must-Read Picture Books of 2018." "Will inspire girls and boys alike to love math, believe in themselves, and reach for the stars."

This picture book edition allows children to explore this incredible period.

• Inspirational Life Stories: The remarkable true story of four mathematicians who changed the space program--and refused to let race or gender determine the limits of their contribution.
• Revealed Histories: How a group of brilliant women spent years doing essential work that others took credit for--and why their names are finally being remembered.
• The Space Race: Go behind the scenes of the historic missions that sent the first Americans into orbit and to the moon.
• Civil Rights Era: A window into the daily reality of navigating Jim Crow-era segregation while also pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in science.

Review Quotes

"In Shetterly and Conkling's approachable text, the reader is introduced to four hidden figures and given a broad look at the United States' history of segregation and fight for civil rights. Freeman's illustrations are striking, featuring bold, fully saturated colors. Feels as fresh as the original. Delightful and informative." - Shelf Awareness

"An important story to tell about four heroines, one that will lead young readers to the longer, more-nuanced coverage available when they are ready." - Kirkus Reviews