Counting on Katherine

Helaine Becker

Illustrated by Dow Phumiruk

Ages 5 to 9
15 April 2021
9781529005615
40 pages

Synopsis

Meet Katherine Johnson, 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. Counting on Katherine is a beautiful illustrated biography, sure to inspire young readers.

Winner of the information book category of the UKLA Book Awards.

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.

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
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 straightforward, informative text is paired with delicate, precise digital artwork . . . Very worthwhile book.

Books by Helaine Becker