Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13

The bold story of Katherine Johnson, an African-American mathematician who worked for NASA during the space race and was depicted in the film Hidden Figures.

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, Counting on Katherine 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.

Christy Ottaviano Books

Author: Helaine Becker
Publisher: Henry Holt & Company
Published: 06/19/2018
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1lbs
Size: 11.10h x 9.40w x 0.40d
ISBN: 9781250137524
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.2
Point Value: 0.5
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 196205 / Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 05/01/2018 pg. 85
School Library Journal 06/01/2018 pg. 97
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 06/01/2018
Booklist 06/01/2018 pg. 80
Shelf Awareness 06/26/2018
Publishers Weekly 07/09/2018
Hornbook Guide to Children 01/01/2019 - Recommended, Satisfactory

About the Author

Helaine Becker is the author of more than 70 award-winning books for children including You Can Read, Worms for Breakfast: How to Feed a Zoo, Monster Science and Counting on Katherine. She loves science, books and ice cream, but not necessarily in that order.

Dow Phumiruk is a general pediatrician with a passion for art. She lives in Colorado with her husband and three girls. When she is not teaching medical students or drawing, she can be found hiking on the trails near her home. Maya Lin is her picture book debut.