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Counting on Katherine  Cover Image Book Book

Counting on Katherine / Helaine Becker ; illustrated by Dow Phumiruk.

Becker, Helaine, (author.). Phumiruk, Dow, (illustrator.).

Summary:

You've likely heard of the historic Apollo 13 moon landing. But do you know about the mathematical genius who made sure that Apollo 13 returned safely home? As a child, Katherine Johnson 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 math, 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 story of a groundbreaking American woman who not only calculated the course of moon landings but, in turn, saved lives and made enormous contributions to history.

Record details

  • ISBN: 9781250137524
  • ISBN: 1250137527
  • Physical Description: 1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 29 cm
  • Edition: First edition.
  • Publisher: New York : Henry Holt and Company, 2018.

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:
Includes bibliographical references.
Target Audience Note:
Ages 5-9.
Subject: Johnson, Katherine G.
United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration > Officials and employees > Biography.
Sutton, Dr. John S. - Memorial.
Mathematicians > United States > Biography.
African American women mathematicians > Biography.
Women mathematicians > United States > Biography.

Available copies

  • 1 of 3 copies available at Kenton County.

Holds

  • 0 current holds with 3 total copies.
Show Only Available Copies
Location Call Number / Copy Notes Barcode Shelving Location Status Due Date
Covington Branch J B J67272b (Text) 33126022808699 JBiography Checked out 05/07/2024
Erlanger Branch J B J67272b (Text) 33126022808681 JBiography Checked out 05/12/2024
Independence Branch J B J67272b (Text) 33126024604690 JBiography Available -

  • School Library Journal Reviews : SLJ Reviews 2018 June

    Gr 1–3—-Featuring engaging text and captivating illustrations, this picture book introduces the amazing life of mathematician Katherine Johnson to young readers. Becker captures the drive and determination of Johnson through well-written text and a few puns; for instance, the phrase "You can count on me" is repeated by Johnson and once by her father. The narrative details both Johnson's joyful childhood and her fury at segregated public schools; however, in discussing the challenges Johnson faced at NASA, Becker mainly focuses on sexism. The text doesn't mention segregation at NASA, but it is portrayed in the illustrations. Becker compellingly conveys Johnson's reputation for accuracy and her critical leadership role supporting many NASA programs, including Friendship 7, Apollo 11, Apollo 12, and Apollo 13. John Glenn would not fly until Johnson had signed off on the numbers for his trip. Phumiruk's renderings help to elucidate scientific principles and bring the story to life. In addition, the images of blackboards teeming with mathematical equations that appear on the endpapers add to the book's appeal. The work concludes with additional in-depth information about Johnson's life along with a list of sources. VERDICT Sure to inspire a new generation of mathematicians. A solid addition to biography collections.—Maren Ostergard, King County Library System, Issaquah, WA

    Copyright 2018 School Library Journal.

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