Reaching for the Moon

May 15, 2019
Much has been written about the black women mathematicians who worked behind the scenes at NASA; now young readers can hear Katherine Johnson's story in her own words. Johnson begins her autobiography with her decision, at the age of 4, to start attending school with her brother so she could help him with his math. Impressed, the teacher opened a kindergarten class, but soon Katherine was skipping entire grades. Her family relocated so that she and her siblings could attend high school and college (beyond seventh grade, there was no school for "colored" youth in their hometown). Johnson graduated college at 18 with degrees in French and mathematics before going on to teach and pursue her now-famous career at NASA, yet she comes across as humble and warm, passing on to her children the refrain her father taught her as inoculation against racism: "You are no better than anyone else, but nobody else is better than you." Johnson describes the culture and way of life in each of the places where she lived and worked, with an honest portrayal of the common racial injustices and indignities alongside the shared humanity that also existed. She artfully weaves in the heart of how African American communities have survived and advanced--through "self-help and sacrificing" for the next generation. Her writing style is comfortable and conversational, making the book feel like a visit over tea that you wish would never end. From a long-lived American legend, this rich volume is a national treasure. (Memoir. 9-adult)

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June 24, 2019
African-American research mathematician and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Johnson, of Hidden Figures fame, imbues this narrative of the first half of her life with her daily realities in the segregated South. Stressing the importance of self-worth and education to black advancement, Johnson’s parents struggled to ensure that all their children graduated from college. Gifted Johnson did so early, at age 18, and then taught math while embarking on marriage and motherhood. In 1953, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (predecessor of NASA) hired Johnson as a “computer” to perform mathematical calculations for engineers at Langley Aeronautical Laboratory. The impeccable quality of Johnson’s work and the essential questions she asked led to special assignments, including hand-checking the early IBM computers’ calculations for John Glenn’s 1962 orbits of the Earth and work on the trajectory of the Apollo 11 lunar landing module, breaking cultural norms along the way. An epilogue covers the recognition and honors Johnson has received since 1969. Alternately warmly personal and coolly observant, Johnson is always clear in her explanations. Black-and-white photos illustrate this highly accessible memoir by a groundbreaking woman. Ages 10–up.

Starred review from July 1, 2019

Gr 5 Up-From a very young age, Johnson excelled as a student. Despite growing up in a time of extreme racism and sexism, Johnson not only persevered-she flourished. She surpassed her older siblings in grade level, math courses were created for her because she was not challenged enough, and she graduated from West Virginia State at the age of 18 with a degree in mathematics and French. Her first job out of college was as a schoolteacher. She went on to work at and retire from NASA as a mathematician. This autobiography chronicles her personal life, from growing up in a tight-knit family of six to having three children of her own, as well as her professional accomplishments and her career at NASA. Johnson's story is captivating, informative, and inspiring. She neatly and accurately weaves in significant historical events that had profound effects on our country and the African American community, including the murder of Emmett Till, lunch counter sit-ins, and school integration. Larger ideas such as white supremacy are broken down with ease for younger readers. VERDICT While the chapters are a little lengthy for the intended audience, Johnson's story is easy to follow and hard to put down. Highly recommended for purchase in any school library.-Melissa Lambert, Trenton Public Schools, MI

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2019
Grades 4-7 Johnson, the groundbreaking NASA mathematician who was featured in the book and movie Hidden Figures, tells her own story in this middle-grade autobiography. The book, featuring many photos, spans from her childhood through the 1969 moon landing, with follow-up on her family members from that point forward. Johnson contextualizes her journey with information about Jim Crow laws, the education and training of African American teachers, and segregated schooling. Her loose narrative style feels conversational, which will draw in readers, and an interesting afterword compares the movie Hidden Figures to her actual experience. While filled with fascinating tidbits about space research and featuring a time line of space travel, much of the book focuses on Johnson's family life?there could have been even more emphasis on her life inside NASA?interpersonal dynamics, intricacies of research, and challenges faced?as readers will also seek that detail. Johnson has had a tremendous life, and with her recent pop-culture representation, as well as the overall popularity of STEM, kids will be excited to learn more about her journey.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)