
A parent should reach for this book when their child feels underestimated or is told they cannot pursue a dream because of who they are. It is an ideal story for a child frustrated by unfairness or daunted by a big challenge. "Up Periscope!" tells the inspiring true story of Raye Montague, a brilliant Black woman who defied the racism and sexism of the mid-20th century to become a master engineer for the U.S. Navy. Through sheer determination and intelligence, she taught herself computer programming and created a system that designed ships in a fraction of the time, revolutionizing the entire industry. This biography beautifully illustrates themes of resilience, self-confidence, and justice, making it a powerful read for children aged 7 to 10. It provides crucial representation in STEM and models how to persevere with courage and creativity against systemic obstacles.
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Sign in to write a reviewThe book directly and factually addresses historical racism (Jim Crow laws, segregation depicted with "whites only" signs) and workplace sexism. The approach is straightforward and secular, focusing on the injustice of the barriers Raye faced. The resolution is deeply hopeful and empowering, showcasing her ultimate success and recognition as a direct result of her perseverance and talent, proving the doubters wrong.
This book is perfect for a 7-10 year old who loves to build, invent, or code, particularly a child who may feel like an outsider in those spaces. It’s for the kid who is starting to notice and question unfairness in the world and needs a role model who succeeded not by magic, but by working smarter and harder within an unjust system.
Parents should be prepared to discuss the history of segregation and sexism in the United States. The text and illustrations are clear but not graphic, so a brief conversation to provide context about the time period will enrich the reading experience. The book can be read cold, but the emotional impact is greater with a bit of historical framing. A parent has just heard their child say something like, “They won’t let me play, they said it’s for boys,” or “It’s not fair, I’m trying so hard and it’s not working.” The child is feeling discouraged by a personal setback or a social injustice.
A younger reader (age 7-8) will connect with the story of overcoming obstacles: Raye wanted to do something, people said no, but she did it anyway. They'll be fascinated by the giant computer and ships. An older reader (age 9-10) will have a deeper understanding of the social justice issues, grasping the gravity of the sexism and racism Raye faced and appreciating the brilliance and complexity of her technical solution.
While there are many biographies of STEM pioneers, this book excels at weaving the social and technical narratives together. It doesn't shy away from naming the specific injustices of racism and sexism, making it a potent combination of a STEM story and a social justice lesson. Its chapter book format makes a complex life story accessible and engaging for newly independent readers.
This nonfiction chapter book biography traces the life of Raye Montague. Inspired by a tour of a submarine as a child in segregated Arkansas, she dreams of becoming an engineer. The book follows her journey as she confronts systemic racism and sexism in her education and career. Hired by the U.S. Navy as a clerk, she is denied engineering roles but secretly studies manuals and teaches herself to operate the UNIVAC computer. Her journey culminates in a moment of triumph when she is given an impossible task and uses her self-taught skills to create a computer program that designs a complete ship in under 19 hours, a process that previously took two years.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.