Counting on Katherine

Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13
By Helaine Becker, Illustrated by Dow Phumiruk

Henry Holt, 2018
Genre: Picture Book

Katherine Johnson was a mathematical genius who helped contribute to the Space Race of the 1960s. She had to overcome challenges of being black and a woman in a time when neither were widely accepted in fields other than teaching, nursing, secretarial work, etc. Katherine’s hard work and persistence led her to working with NASA and playing an essential part of the landing of Apollo 13. As a result, Katherine saved lives and contributed greatly to American history.

Counting on Katherine is available from the Hamilton East Public Library.

Review by Bethany Lambert, Third Grade Teacher, Stony Creek Elementary