Hidden Figures the True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly

1. Bibliography:

Shetterly, Margot L. 2018.  Hidden Figures the True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race. Ill. Laura Freeman. New York: Harper Collins Children’s Books. ISBN 9780062742469

2. Plot Summary:

Four women, all really good at math find their way to success. They encounter difficulties along their journey. At the end they leave their mark and lead the way for other aspiring women.

3. Characters:

This inspirational story of four ladies, Dorothy Vaughn, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden have accurate information and is supported by reliable research. Each lady battles segregation of race and gender, but continues to strive for their dreams. Their experiences and hidden contributions to society creates a stronger role model for generations.

4. Setting with Diversity:

The setting is taken place during the period of 1940’s to late 1960’s. During this time and seen throughout the book, segregation plays a large part of the struggles of the characters. The book explains what type of segregation they encounter. Black and white people were kept separate from several public places. This includes their place of work, and school. Soon it turned in to keeping women out from meetings.

5. Illustrations:

The illustrations are designed with bold colors. Mathematic symbols are embedded though specific objects like dresses, streets, and a wall computer. A powerful illustration to really show the times of segregation, is people of all colors holding hands with images of leaders that spoke for equality in windows. This sets the tone for change. Each illustrated page give the reader a empathetic feeling of the characters struggles.

6. Theme:

Never give up on your dreams. The author shows four women persevering toward their dreams with and overcoming these obstacle. Some obstacles presented was Katherine not taking no for an answer to attend all male meetings, and Mary going through the channels to get permission to attend a class for males.

7. Cultural Markers:

The cultural markers are necessary to support the time period. Race and gender stereotypes are factual and are needed to represent the struggles the women went through. The intergrading real people and events that happen support the authenticity of story. The author lists out where white people and black people cannot go to the same place. The evidence of cultural facts are written in quotes like JFK on his mission to go to the moon, and to tell Katherine she is not allowed in the meeting because she is female. The source notes are in the form of a timeline during the period, and mini biographies of each hidden figure lady, glossary, and author’s notes. The author is qualified to relate this culture, she herself knew many of the women of the hidden figures. The minority characters are not as important to tell the story as the majority characters. The written does not contain any non-English words. This story is of high quality and could stand alone and explain the struggles of getting a man to the moon.

8. Connections Teacher and Library corner:

Cereal Box research: The teacher will assign the class one person from the book that made a difference during this historical time. The student will research 5 personal facts, 5 career facts, birth and death date, place 3 symbolic items, real or drawn inside the box, illustrate a portrait, an make fun activity about the person on the back. They will present their person and box a later time designated by the teacher. People to research John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., John Glen, Neil Armstrong, Yuri Gagarin, Edwin Buzz Aldrin, Dorothy Vaughn, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden.

9. You Tube connections:

Not at this time

10. Reviews Excerpts:

“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

11. Children reviews:
"This book was fantastic to read about the civil rights time, but with space. I really like the way they explained things in the book so I could understand them better. This you must read if you like space and math. Brielle age 9

12. Awards and recognitions:

2018 Coretta Scott King Honor

13. Book suggestions:

Books by Margot Lee Shetterly:

Fancy Party Gowns: The Story of Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe ISBN:9781499802399

Other book suggestions:

A Computer Called Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Helped Put America on the Moon By Suzanne Slade ISBN: 0316435171

14. Official Website:

Check out more on Margot Lee Shetterly and the Hidden Figures ladies at http://margotleeshetterly.com/hidden-figures-nasas-african-american-computers

15. Rating:

I give this book 5 stars. This book was touching and encouraging to all young ladies of any race they can accomplish anything they put the mind to.