(3) K-3 Illustrated by Raúl Colón. Mathematics prodigy Katherine Johnson's (1918–2020) opportunities were limited by mid-century America's attitudes toward women of color. But the space program's growth during the Cold War opened doors for her, first as a human "computer" then as a researcher. Cline-Ransome focuses on Johnson's childhood and early career; illustrator Colón renders Johnson in vibrant colors, making her a literal standout among the men and women of NASA.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison. In 1953, Katherine Johnson started work as a "computer," or mathematician, for what would become NASA. During her career, Johnson calculated Alan Shepard’s First-American-in-Space flight path, John Glenn’s First-American-to-Orbit-Earth trajectory, and Apollo 11’s Race-to-the-Moon-and-Back flight path. Inspiring, upbeat, and clever, Slade's text highlights the racism, sexism, and other false beliefs that Johnson confronted. Equations, angles, and diagrams fill Miller Jamison's expressive, layered illustrations. Images of Johnson's work are appended. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2019

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Dow Phumiruk. In straightforward text with a folksy refrain of "count on me," this picture book biography introduces the life of math genius, NASA computer, and Hidden Figures notable Katherine Johnson, culminating in her Apollo 13 triumph. Phumiruk's illustrations, created in Photoshop with scans of watercolors and textures, are clean and precise; small figures give way to a dramatic close-up of Johnson calculating the safe flight path home. Bib.

Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

(3) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: STEM Superstar Women series. Each volume provides a succinct overview of a trailblazing woman in STEM. The subjects' childhoods, education, numerous obstacles (many times because of their gender), and achievements are explained in readable prose. Archival photographs, sidebars, and fact boxes help to highlight each woman's importance in her field. Timeline. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: STEM Superstar Women titles: Grace Hopper, Hedy Lamarr, Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Katherine Johnson, Rosalind Franklin, and Ada Lovelace.

Reviewer: Rita Soltan

(3) K-3 Ready-to-Read: You Should Meet series. Illustrated by Alyssa Petersen. In this easy-reader biography, Feldman introduces Katherine Johnson, an African American mathematical prodigy. She began her career at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (later NASA) as a human computer and advanced up the ranks. Back matter includes information on stars, careers in engineering and astronomy, and space facts. Petersen's full-color cartoonlike illustrations have kid-appeal.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(3) 4-6 STEM Trailblazer Bios series. This set of the continuing series features both contemporary and historical science and technology innovators. The inspiring profiles, which touch on childhood, education, and the subjects' breakthrough accomplishments, will tie in well with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum objectives. A colorful, easy-to-read format features photos and "tech talk" sidebars with quotes, mostly from the "trailblazers" themselves. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these STEM Trailblazer Bios titles: Space Engineer and Scientist Margaret Hamilton, Genius Physicist Albert Einstein, Inventor, Engineer, and Physicist Nikola Tesla, Astronaut Ellen Ochoa, NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson, and Super Soaker Inventor Lonnie Johnson.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen