Counting on Katherine

How Katherine Johnson Put Astronauts on the Moon

Author: Helaine Becker and Dow Phumiruk

Paperback

The bold story of Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician who worked for NASA during the space race and was depicted in the film Hidden Figures.

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PRODUCT INFORMATION

Summary

The bold story of Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician who worked for NASA during the space race and was depicted in the film Hidden Figures.

Description

Winner of the information book category of the UKLA Book Awards 2020.Katherine Johnson is the mathematical genius who helped make the historic Apollo 11 moon landings possible and made sure that Apollo 13 returned home safely when the mission was in critical danger.As a child, Katherine loved to count. She counted the steps on the road, the number of dishes and spoons she washed in the kitchen sink, everything! Boundless, curious, and excited by calculations, young Katherine longed to know as much as she could about maths, about the universe . . .Helaine Becker interviewed Katherine and her family for this authorized biography. From Katherine's early beginnings as a gifted student to her heroic accomplishments as a prominent mathematician at NASA, this is the true story of a groundbreaking African-American woman who went above and beyond what was expected of her in the 1960s, saving lives and making enormous contributions to history. Featuring Dow Phumiruk's gorgeous full-colour illustrations throughout.

Critic Reviews

“A picture-book biography of a humble genius who excelled in a career once out of reach for most African-Americans. An excellent biography that will inspire young readers, especially girls, to do what they love”

A picture-book biography of a humble genius who excelled in a career once out of reach for most African-Americans. An excellent biography that will inspire young readers, especially girls, to do what they love Kirkus, starred review
Children who want to share in the Hidden Figures buzz can start right here . . . Phumiruk’s digital artwork convincingly portrays Johnson as brainy and imaginative. This title is ready made for “My Hero” biography reports. The Bulletin
The straightforward, informative text is paired with delicate, precise digital artwork . . . Very worthwhile book. Booklist
Featuring engaging text and captivating illustrations, this picture book introduces the amazing life of mathematician Katherine Johnson to young readers. Sure to inspire a new generation of mathematicians. A solid addition to biography collections. School Library Journal
Phumiruk works in a crisp, uncluttered art style, infusing emotionality into more private moments of reflection. Publishers Weekly
This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician who’s work helped send men to the moon. At the time, people didn’t expect much from African-American women, but her ground-breakingwork proved them all wrong Shout Magazine

About the Author

Helaine Becker has written over seventy books. Her award-winning non-fiction includes Counting on Katherine, Worms for Breakfast and Zoobots, and she has written many picture books and young adult novels. She also writes for children's magazines and for children's television.Dow Phumiruk trained to be a pediatrician, before finding her passion in children's book art. Her favourite subjects are children (especially girls) and animals.