One Step Further: My Story of Math, the Moon, and a Lifelong Mission (National Geographic Kids)

by Katherine Johnson (Author)

One Step Further: My Story of Math, the Moon, and a Lifelong Mission (National Geographic Kids)
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

This inspirational picture book reveals what is was like for a young black mother of three to navigate the difficult world of the 1950s and 60s and to succeed in an unwelcoming industry to become one of the now legendary "hidden figures" of NASA computing and space research. Johnson's own empowering narrative is complemented by the recollections of her two daughters about their mother's work and insights about how she illuminated their paths, including one daughter's fight for civil rights and another's journey to become a NASA mathematician herself. The narrative gracefully weaves together Johnson's personal story, her influence on her daughters' formative years, her and her daughters' fight for civil rights, and her lasting impact on NASA and space exploration.

Filled with personal reflections, exclusive family archival photos, and striking illustrations, readers will be immersed in this deeply personal portrayal of female empowerment, women in STEM, and the breaking down of race barriers across generations. Historical notes, photo/illustration notes, and a time line put the story into historical and modern-day context.

The inspirational tale of Johnson's perseverance is both intimate and global, showcasing the drive of each generation to push one step further than the last. With its evocative family album-style format and novel approach to storytelling, One Step Further is sure to inspire the next generation of rising stars.

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$17.99

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School Library Journal

K-Gr 3--Katherine Johnson (1918-2020) had many roles: teacher, brilliant mathematician, role model, trailblazer for racial and gender equality, and devoted mother of three daughters. Written with two of her daughters, Joylette Hylick and Katherine Moore, this autobiographical picture book provides a fantastic account of Johnson's life. Johnson grew up as a math-loving little girl in West Virginia and graduated from high school at the age of 14. She earned her college degree from West Virginia State University (formerly West Virginia State College) and worked as an educator before joining NASA in 1953. Johnson's narrative is paired with speech bubbles, which contain Joylette and Kathy's personal insights and anecdotes. Charming illustrations are wonderfully juxtaposed with historical images, family photographs, and personal mementos like Johnson's report card. Young readers will come away with a clearer understanding of the gender discrimination faced by women in the workplace, racial segregation, and Jim Crow laws. The back matter describes additional details and the historical events that impacted Johnson's career and family. There's no greater tribute to her legacy than that her daughters followed in her footsteps. Joylette became a mathematician and worked for NASA. Kathy, as well as sister Connie, became teachers. VERDICT A compelling personal account from a remarkable woman and her family.--Alyssa Annico, Youngstown State Univ., OH

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Publishers Weekly

Famed Black NASA "human computer" Johnson is joined by two of her daughters in this familial autobiography, which parallels Johnson's life with her children's. In an honest, conversational tone, Johnson tells of facing segregation and sexism as a Black woman in an overwhelmingly white male environment ("There were things you could count--steps, plates, musical beats--and things you could count on.... But you could also count on life being hard"). She also describes her daughters following in her footsteps (becoming educators and a NASA mathematician), showing how her pioneering steps paved the way for the next generation. Engaging, collage-style art augments the text, with speech bubbles, archival family photographs, and Barlow's child-friendly illustrations. Concurrently accessible and intimate, this book will both inform readers and inspire them to reach for the stars. Back matter includes historical notes and context, a timeline, a glossary, and an illustrator's note. Ages 4-8. (Jan.)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

Engaging, collage-style art augments the text, with speech bubbles, archival family photographs, and Barlow's child-friendly illustrations. Concurrently accessible and intimate, this book will both inform readers and inspire them to reach for the stars.—Publishers Weekly
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781426371936
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
National Geographic Kids
Publication date
January 05, 2021
Series
National Geographic Kids
BISAC categories
JNF053140 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Topics | Prejudice & Racism
JNF007090 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Science & Technology
JNF007120 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Women
Library of Congress categories
United States
Officials and employees
African American teachers
African American women mathematicians
Johnson, Katherine G

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