Hidden Women: The African-American Mathematicians of NASA Who Helped America Win the Space Race

A parent should reach for this book when their child feels underestimated or is developing a passion for science and history, but doesn't see themselves represented in the stories they read. Hidden Women tells the inspiring true story of the brilliant African-American female mathematicians who worked at NASA during the Space Race. These "human computers" performed the complex calculations that made space flight possible, all while facing intense racial and gender discrimination. The book beautifully explores themes of resilience, perseverance, and the fight for justice. It is an excellent choice for a child in the 9-12 age range, as it makes complex history accessible and provides powerful role models who broke barriers in STEM.