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

Description

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 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 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. "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."

Margot Lee Shetterly is a journalist and independent researcher currently developing The Human Computer Project, a collaboration with Macalester College American Studies professor Duchess Harris to create a digital archive of the stories of NASA's African-American Human Computers. In 2005, she founded Inside Mexico Magazine, which became the most widely distributed English language publication in Mexico. She's been profiled in the LA Times and Editor and Publisher, among other publications. Laura Freeman has illustrated over thirty children's books, including Hidden Figures written by Margot Lee Shetterly, the Nikki & Deja series by Karen English and Fancy Party Gowns by Deborah Blumenthal. She received her BFA from the School of Visual Arts. In addition to illustrating books and editorial content, her art can be found on a wide range of products, from dishes and textiles to greeting cards. Laura Freeman lives in Atlanta with her husband and their two children.

"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