• Age: 5 to 9
• Grade: k to 4

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

Helaine Becker
est l'auteure de nombreux livres jeunesse primés. Elle a écrit plus de 80
livres, dont Raconte-moi les graphiques : L'histoire de William Playfair et
l'album illustré à succès Un porc-épic dans un sapin. Helaine
habite à Toronto, en Ontario.

HELAINE BECKER is the author of numerous of books of fiction and non-fiction for children, among them the best-selling A Porcupine in a Pine Tree and its sequel, Dashing Through the Snow: A Canadian Jingle Bells, The Haunted House That Jack Built and Little Jack Horner, Live from the Corner. Her books have won the Silver Birch Award and the CBA Libris Award and have been shortlisted for the Red Cedar, the Hackmatack and the Rocky Mountain awards. Helaine lives in Toronto with her family. Visit her at www.helainebecker.com.

Helaine Becker's profile page

Dow Phumiruk was born in Bangkok, Thailand, and came to live in the United States when she was about three years old. She loves children and sharing stories. Dow has been a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators since 2011. She’s the author of picture book Mela and the Elephant and the illustrator of Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13. She also illustrated Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines, which received starred reviews, was a Junior Library Guild Selection, and was featured on many best books of 2017 round-ups. Dow is a pediatrician who lives with her husband and children in Colorado. They own a dwarf rabbit, a bearded dragon, and a chubby hamster.

Dow Phumiruk's profile page

A Junior Library Guild Selection
An NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book
A NCTM Mathical Honor Book
Winner of the Bank Street Cook Prize
An NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People
An ILA Notable Book for a Global Society
An ILA Teachers’ Choices Reading List Selection
An Amelia Bloomer List Selection
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year
A Vermont Red Clover Award Master List Selection
A Morning Calm Medal Nominee
A Towner Award Nominee
A Silver Birch Express Award Nominee
An Indiana Young Hoosier Book Award Nominee
A Louisiana Reader’s Choice Award Nominee
A UKLA Book Award Finalist
"A picture-book biography of a humble genius who excelled in a career once out of reach for most African-Americans. An excellent biography that will inspire young readers, especially girls, to do what they love."--Kirkus, starred review
"Children who want to share in the Hidden Figures buzz can start right here . . . Phumiruk’s digital artwork convincingly portrays Johnson as brainy and imaginative. This title is ready made for “My Hero” biography reports."--The Bulletin
"Featuring engaging text and captivating illustrations, this picture book introduces the amazing life of mathematician Katherine Johnson to young readers. Sure to inspire a new generation of mathematicians. A solid addition to biography collections."--School Library Journal
"The straightforward, informative text is paired with delicate, precise digital artwork. . . Very worthwhile book."--Booklist
"Phumiruk works in a crisp, uncluttered art style, infusing emotionality into more private moments of reflection."--Publishers Weekly