Counting on Katherine
How Katherine Johnson Put Astronauts on the Moon
Published on 16. May 2019
Book
Hardback
40 pages
978-1-5290-0559-2 (ISBN)
Description
Meet the amazing woman who put astronauts on the moon! Katherine Johnson is the mathematical genius who not only helped make the historic moon landings possible, but also made sure that all the astronauts returned safely home 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 . . .
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, Helaine Becker's Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Put Astronauts on the Moon is truly a gift to treasure.
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 . . .
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, Helaine Becker's Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Put Astronauts on the Moon is truly a gift to treasure.
Reviews / Votes
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 * The crisp illustrations are lovely, especially the detailed chalkboard endpapers crammed with mind-blowing math equations. Children will be inspired by the awesome possibilities for the real-life application of maths while enjoying a bold story of one woman's brilliance, determination, and self-belief. It's an empowering true-life account which space or maths enthusiasts will enjoy as will children keen to read about the pioneering Black historical figures who have been overshadowed for too long -- Candid CocoaMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Pan Macmillan
Target group
Children/juvenile
Interest Age: From 5 to 7 years
Dimensions
Height: 249 mm
Width: 201 mm
Thickness: 16 mm
Weight
342 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5290-0559-2 (9781529005592)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Helaine Becker has written over seventy books. She attended high school in New York before graduating from Duke University. She is married with two sons and is an active swimmer, runner and cyclist, as well as being a compulsive read-aholic. She has an orange belt in karate and is contemplating going for her grapefruit belt.
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 is a retired pediatrician and has found her passion in children's book art. Her favourite subjects are children (especially girls) and animals. She lives in Lone Tree, Colorado with her husband of over 2.5 decades, three artistic daughters, one dwarf rabbit, one hamster, one tiny frog, and a really cool bearded dragon named Sparkles. Dow also enjoys fast and furious sewing projects and limited hiking and biking. She is the illustrator of Helaine Becker's Counting on Katherine.
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 is a retired pediatrician and has found her passion in children's book art. Her favourite subjects are children (especially girls) and animals. She lives in Lone Tree, Colorado with her husband of over 2.5 decades, three artistic daughters, one dwarf rabbit, one hamster, one tiny frog, and a really cool bearded dragon named Sparkles. Dow also enjoys fast and furious sewing projects and limited hiking and biking. She is the illustrator of Helaine Becker's Counting on Katherine.