Hidden Figures (picture book) facts for kids
First edition cover of Hidden Figures
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| Author | Margot Lee Shetterly, Winifred Conkling |
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| Illustrator | Laura Freeman |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | picture book |
| Published | 2018 (HarperCollins Children's Books) |
| Awards | Coretta Scott King Award honor book for illustrator |
| ISBN | 978-0-06-274246-9 |
Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race is a picture book from 2018. It was written by Margot Lee Shetterly with Winifred Conkling and illustrated by Laura Freeman. This book tells the amazing story of four real-life African-American women. They were brilliant mathematicians who helped make space travel possible!
This picture book is a simpler version of Shetterly's longer 2016 book. That book was called Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race. Both books share the important contributions of these women. They worked at NASA during a very exciting time in history.
Contents
The Story of 'Human Computers'
Hidden Figures shares the true story of four African-American women. Their names were Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden. They worked as mathematicians at NASA. This was from the 1940s to the 1960s.
During this time, computers as we know them today did not exist. So, skilled people, mostly women, did all the complex math calculations. They were even called "human computers." These women played a secret but vital role in America's space missions.
Why Their Work Was So Important
The work of these women was incredibly important for the United States. They helped America win the "Space Race." This was a friendly but serious competition with another country to be the first in space. Their calculations helped rockets launch safely. They also helped astronauts travel to space and return home.
For example, Katherine Johnson calculated the paths for John Glenn's orbit around Earth. This was a huge moment in space history. Without her precise math, this mission might not have succeeded.
Facing Challenges and Making History
These women faced many challenges. They were African-American women working in a time when there was a lot of unfair treatment. They had to work in separate areas and use different facilities. Despite these difficulties, they kept working hard and proved how talented they were.
Their dedication helped break down barriers. They showed that skill and intelligence have no color or gender. Their story inspires us to pursue our dreams, no matter the obstacles.
About the Book
This picture book makes the story of these amazing women easy to understand for younger readers. It highlights their bravery and intelligence. It also shows how important teamwork is.
The book helps us learn about a key part of American history. It teaches us about the early days of space exploration. It also reminds us that many important contributions have been "hidden" over time.
