Up Periscope! How Engineer Raye Montague Revolutionized Shipbuilding

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.