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53 pages 1 hour read

Hidden Figures: Young Readers Edition

Nonfiction | Biography | Middle Grade | Published in 2016

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Book Brief

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Margot Lee Shetterly

Hidden Figures: Young Readers Edition

Nonfiction | Biography | Middle Grade | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Virginia • 1960s

Theme
Publication Year

2016

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

1120L

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Super Short Summary

Hidden Figures: Young Readers' Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly tells the true story of four African American women—Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden—who overcame racism and sexism to work as mathematicians at NASA from the 1940s to the 1960s, playing crucial roles in major space missions, including the moon landing, and paving the way for future generations in math and science. The text addresses themes of discrimination and segregation.

Inspirational

Informative

Hopeful

Heartwarming

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Hidden Figures: Young Readers Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly is praised for its inspiring portrayal of pioneering African-American women in NASA. Reviewers commend its accessible writing and historical accuracy. Some note it can be challenging for younger readers due to dense information. Overall, it's valued for its educational and empowering narrative.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Hidden Figures: Young Readers Edition?

A reader who will enjoy Hidden Figures: Young Readers Edition by Margot Lee Shetterly is a middle school student interested in history, space, and social justice. Fans of Wonder by R.J. Palacio and I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai will appreciate the inspiring true stories of African-American women mathematicians who broke barriers at NASA.

Character List

Dorothy Vaughan

One of the first Black women hired by NACA in 1943, who began as a human computer and became the first African American woman to hold a management role at NASA, illustrating her pivotal role in a history of social and technological progress.

She started at NACA as a human computer in 1951, eventually becoming NASA's first female African American engineer, and is notable for her dedication to community service and paving the way for future generations in math and science.

Joined NACA in 1953 and made significant contributions to the space program with her mathematical calculations, particularly during key missions like John Glenn's orbital flight and the 1969 Moon landing, becoming a respected figure at NASA.

The youngest of the four, representing a new generation, she began working at NASA in 1967 and advanced to become an expert in supersonic flight, while benefiting from the advancements made by her predecessors.

Book Details
Pages

240

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

Virginia • 1960s

Theme
Publication Year

2016

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

1120L

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