Happy Black History Month! Below is Dr. Toughlove’s February 2023 column. Enjoy!
Dr. Toughlove has decided that since February is Black History Month, it would be an opportune time to write a review of the children’s picture book, “Hidden Figures, The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race”. This informative book was written by Margot Lee Shetterly and illustrated by Laura Freeman.
“Hidden Figures” is a story about four black woman who had a lot in common. In addition to all being black, they were all “really good” (pages 3, 7,12,17) at math. They also all worked for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) during their illustrious careers.
When Dorothy Vaughan began working at NASA in 1943, blacks and whites were kept apart. Despite that, Dorothy worked alongside her colleagues to make planes faster and safer. Mary Jackson came to NASA in 1951 and even though she was told that she hadn’t taken the advanced math classes needed, she persisted until becoming the first black female engineer at NASA.
Katherine Johnson came to work at NASA in 1953. In addition to being really good at math, she liked to ask questions. Katherine persevered until she was allowed to attend research meetings and apply her knowledge and expertise, which she did expertly.
Our final hidden figure, Dr. Christine Mann Darden, joined NASA in 1967. She wanted to be an engineer, and thanks to Dorothy Vaughn, Mary Jackson and Katherine Johnson, she knew it was possible. As a result of her hard work and determination, Dr. Darden contributed to the moon landing of the Apollo 11 spacecraft.
Dr. Toughlove readily admits that this review just scratches the surface of the accomplishments of these four extraordinary women. In addition to exquisitely executed illustrations by Laura Freeman, in the back of Margot Lee Shetterly’s beautifully written book there is a timeline of aeronautical events, starting with the Wright brothers in 1903, and ending with the moon landing in 1969. As an extra bonus, there are biographies that include additional information about these four trailblazers and a brief glossary.
The ideas contained in “Hidden Figures” are complex, but Margot Lee Shetterly manages to make them understandable for children aged 6-10. “Hidden Figures, The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race” is available at the Queen Anne’s County Library.