About This Book
A parent might reach for this book when their child feels like an outsider or doubts their own abilities, especially in a field like math or science. This biography tells the incredible true story of Katherine Johnson, an African American mathematician whose genius calculations were essential for NASA's first space flights. The book highlights her lifelong curiosity and love for numbers, alongside her quiet perseverance in the face of immense racial and gender discrimination. For ages 9-12, it's an inspiring look at resilience, self-confidence, and how one person's passion and intellect can change the world.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with historical racism and sexism. Segregation (Jim Crow laws) is a central theme, with specific examples like separate bathrooms and cafeterias. The approach is factual and historical, presented as an obstacle that Katherine Johnson navigated with dignity and determination. The resolution is hopeful, celebrating her success and the progress of the Civil Rights Movement, but it does not shy away from the injustice of the era.
