Hidden Figures, both the movie and the book, tells the story of three brilliant Black women at NASA whose mathematical calculations helped America win the Space Race. Expand your understanding of race, discrimination, history and achievement with this reading list.
Hidden Figures: The True Story Of Four Black Women And The Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly
In this beautifully illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female Black mathematicians at NASA, known as "coloured computers," and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career. Ages 4-8.
One Step Further: My Story Of Math, The Moon, And A Lifelong Mission by Katherine G. Johnson
NASA computer scientist Katherine Johnson and her two daughters tell the story of how she overcame racial barriers to play an integral role during the American space program's early days. Ages 4-8.
Born Curious: 20 Girls Who Grew Up To Be Awesome Scientists by Martha Freeman
A collection of biographies of twenty groundbreaking women scientists who were curious kids and grew up to make incredible discoveries. Ages 7-12.
The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague by Julia Finley Mosca
Young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer but sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades. Through it all, the gifted mathematician persisted, finally gaining her well-deserved title in history: a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever. Ages 7-10.
Hidden Figures Young Readers' Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly
This edition of Margot Lee Shetterly’s acclaimed book is perfect for young readers ages 9-12.
Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky
A charmingly illustrated gift book profiling 50 famous women scientists from the ancient Greek mathematician, philosopher, and astronomer, Hypatia, to Marie Curie, a physicist and chemist. Ages 10+.
My Remarkable Journey: A Memoir by Katherine G. Johnson
Katherine Johnson was 97 years old in 2015, when the world caught up to her. Now, Katherine shares her personal journey from a child prodigy growing up in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia to the peaceful centenarian she was in her final days.
Rise Of The Rocket Girls: The Women Who Propelled Us, From Missiles To The Moon To Mars by Nathalia Holt
The lost story of women at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, giving readers not only an inside look at how it came to have the highest percentage of female employees in NASA but also how the JPL was formed.
We Could Not Fail by Richard Paul and Steven Moss
The Space Age began just as the struggle for civil rights forced Americans to confront the bitter legacy of slavery, discrimination, and violence against African Americans. In We Could Not Fail, Richard Paul and Steven Moss profile ten pioneer African American space workers whose stories illustrate the role NASA and the space program played in promoting civil rights.
