Counting On Katherine
How Katherine Johnson put astronauts on the moon

Counting On Katherine

Meet Katherine Johnson, the mathematical genius who helped make the historic Apollo 11 moon landings possible and made sure that Apollo 13 returned home safely when the mission was in critical danger. Counting on Katherine is a beautiful biography, sure to inspire young readers.

Winner of the information book category of the UKLA Book Awards 2020.

As a child, Katherine 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 maths, about the universe.

Author: Helaine Becker

Helaine has written over seventy books. She attended high school in New York before graduating from Duke University. She is married with two sons and is an active swimmer, runner and cyclist, as well as being a compulsive read-aholic. She has an orange belt in karate and is contemplating going for her grapefruit belt.

Her award-winning non-fiction includes Counting on Katherine, Worms for Breakfast and Zoobots, and she has written many picture books and young adult novels. She also writes for children’s magazines and for children's television.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: Pan Macmillan
  • Format: Hardback
  • Print length: 40 pages
  • Reading age: 6 - 8 years old
  • Publication date: 15 April 2021
  • ISBN: 9781529005615

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A bit more about Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson at NASA in 1966

Teachers and parents, are you prepared to embark on an extraordinary narrative that is both inspirational and an exceptional educational resource? Let us delve into "Counting On Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Put Astronauts on the Moon" by Helaine Becker, a remarkable book that illuminates the remarkable mathematician Katherine Johnson's crucial contributions to NASA's space missions. Katherine's account seamlessly intertwines mathematics, history, and unwavering perseverance.

Her transformative evolution from an inquisitive child enamoured with counting to a pivotal figure at NASA is truly awe-inspiring. Responsible for calculating the trajectories for the historic Apollo 11 mission, Katherine ensured the safe lunar landing and return of Neil Armstrong and his team. Picture the excitement of sharing this authentic odyssey with students or children, showcasing how mathematics can be a formidable asset!

Leveraging this book in educational settings promises both enjoyment and enlightenment. Engage in activities such as crafting space travel-inspired math problems or delving into the historical backdrop of Katherine's accomplishments. Consider setting up a "Mission Control" area complete with charts, maps, and mathematical conundrums to unravel. By integrating Katherine's narrative into your teachings, you not only impart crucial STEM principles but also ignite aspirations in young minds to dream expansively and reach for the stars.Acquire a copy, assemble your budding astronauts, and prepare for a cosmic voyage through time and space, guided by the remarkable Katherine Johnson. Wishing you joyful teaching and exploration!

Acquire a copy, assemble your budding astronauts, and prepare for a cosmic voyage through time and space, guided by the remarkable Katherine Johnson. Wishing you joyful teaching and exploration!

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