Reviews below are from The Horn Book Guide Online.

Picture Books

Becker, Helaine Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13
40 pp. | Holt/Ottaviano | June, 2018 | Trade ISBN 978-1-250-13752-4 $17.99

Illustrated by Dow Phumiruk. In straightforward text with a folksy refrain of "count on me," this picture book biography introduces the life of math genius, NASA computer, and Hidden Figures notable Katherine Johnson, culminating in her Apollo 13 triumph. Phumiruk's illustrations, created in Photoshop with scans of watercolors and textures, are clean and precise; small figures give way to a dramatic close-up of Johnson calculating the safe flight path home. Bib. Reviewer: Dorrie Karlin

Cline-Ransome, Lesa Counting the Stars
32 pp. | Simon/Wiseman | October, 2019 | Trade ISBN 978-1-5344-0475-5 $17.99 | Ebook ISBN 978-1-5344-0476-2

Illustrated by Raúl Colón. Mathematics prodigy Katherine Johnson’s (1918–2020) opportunities were limited by mid-century America’s attitudes toward women of color. But the space program’s growth during the Cold War opened doors for her, first as a human “computer” then as a researcher. Cline-Ransome focuses on Johnson’s childhood and early career; illustrator Colón renders Johnson in vibrant colors, making her a literal standout among the men and women of NASA. Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

Shetterly, Margot Lee Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race
40 pp. | HarperCollins/Harper | January, 2018 | Trade ISBN 978-0-06-274246-9 $17.99

Illustrated by Laura Freeman. With Winifred Conkling. A serviceable introduction to four African American women mathematicians who, despite discrimination, played vital roles for the U.S. in the 1960s space race. Although the illustrations are static, their rich, saturated colors provide interest. Shetterly's (author of the adult title, the basis for the movie) text barely scratches the surface of the women's stories, but she strives admirably to place their accomplishments within historical context. Timeline. Glos. Reviewer: Martha V. Parravano

Slade, Suzanne  A Computer Called Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Helped Put America on the Moon
40 pp. | Little | March, 2019 | Trade ISBN 978-0-316-43517-8 $18.99 | Ebook ISBN 978-0-316-43516-1

Illustrated by Veronica Miller Jamison. In 1953, Katherine Johnson started work as a "computer," or mathematician, for what would become NASA. During her career, Johnson calculated Alan Shepard’s First-American-in-Space flight path, John Glenn’s First-American-to-Orbit-Earth trajectory, and Apollo 11’s Race-to-the-Moon-and-Back flight path. Inspiring, upbeat, and clever, Slade's text highlights the racism, sexism, and other false beliefs that Johnson confronted. Equations, angles, and diagrams fill Miller Jamison's expressive, layered illustrations. Images of Johnson's work are appended. Timeline. Bib. Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2019

Easy Readers

Feldman, Thea Katherine Johnson
48 pp. | Simon Spotlight | July, 2017 | Trade ISBN 978-1-5344-0341-3 $16.99 | Paper ISBN 978-1-5344-0340-6 $3.99 | Ebook ISBN 978-1-5344-0342-0

Ready-to-Read: You Should Meet series. Illustrated by Alyssa Petersen. In this easy-reader biography, Feldman introduces Katherine Johnson, an African American mathematical prodigy. She began her career at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (later NASA) as a human computer and advanced up the ranks. Back matter includes information on stars, careers in engineering and astronomy, and space facts. Petersen's full-color cartoonlike illustrations have kid-appeal. Reviewer: Christina Dorr

Middle Grade

Borgert-Spaniol, Megan Katherine Johnson: Guiding Spacecraft
32 pp. | ABDO | December, 2017 | Library ISBN 978-1-5321-1281-2 $27.07 | Ebook ISBN 978-1-5321-5053-1

Checkerboard Library: STEM Superstar Women series. This volume provides a succinct overview of Johnson, a trailblazing woman in STEM. The subject's childhood, education, numerous obstacles (many times because of their gender), and achievements are explained in readable prose. Archival photographs, sidebars, and fact boxes help to highlight Johnson's importance in her field. Timeline. Glos., ind. Reviewer: Rita Soltan

Schwartz, Heather E. NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson
32 pp. | Lerner | September, 2017 | Library ISBN 978-1-5124-5703-2 $26.65 | Paper ISBN 978-1-5124-5704-9 $8.99 | Ebook ISBN 978-1-5124-5705-6

STEM Trailblazer Bios series. This continuing series features both contemporary and historical science and technology innovators. The inspiring profile of Johnson, which touches on her childhood, education, and breakthrough accomplishments, will tie in well with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum objectives. A colorful, easy-to-read format features photos and "tech talk" sidebars with quotes, mostly from the "trailblazers" themselves. Reading list, timeline, websites. Glos., ind. Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

Shetterly, Margot Lee Hidden Figures Young Readers' Edition: The Untold True Story of Four African-American Women Who Helped Launch Our Nation into Space
231 pp. | HarperCollins/Harper | November, 2016 | Trade ISBN 978-0-06-266238-5 $16.99 | Paper ISBN 978-0-06-266237-8 $7.99

The talented black women working at NASA's Langley facility in the mid-twentieth century started as mathematics "human computers," but persisted through racism and sexism to make significant contributions as engineers, analysts, and programmers. Shetterly's outstanding young readers' edition of her similarly titled adult book highlights the intersecting worlds of educated, middle-class southern African Americans and Cold War space program scientists. Reading list, timeline. Glos., ind. Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

Young Adult

Edwards, Sue Bradford & Harris, Duchess Hidden Human Computers: The Black Women of NASA
112 pp. | ABDO/Essential Library | January, 2017 | Library ISBN 978-1-68078-387-2 $24.95 | Ebook ISBN 978-1-68079-740-4

Hidden Heroes series. This well-researched volume examines the overlooked history of black women who worked for NASA as "human computers." Despite their essential research and diligence, the women faced segregation and unequal opportunities in the work place. The book also discusses the history of educating black Americans, the Space Race, and basics of aerospace engineering and computation. Archival photos illustrate the account. Reading list, timeline. Bib., glos., ind. Reviewer: Kristy Pasquariello