Human Computer

November 1, 2019

Gr 1-3-Four introductory volumes to the lives of prominent women of math and science. The reader learns about how they entered their fields, their work, and the challenges they faced. The biographies of Dorothy Vaughn and Mary Jackson also reveal their struggles with segregation at NASA. The text is straightforward and focuses strictly on their careers. Time lines in the back fill in gaps for the reader whose curiosity is piqued. Colorful illustrations nicely complement the narrative. VERDICT Interesting takes on important women should appeal to both browsers and report writers.

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2020
Grades K-2 In many ways, these new biographies of women in STEM fields are a dream. They cover diverse, accomplished subjects who may be new to younger readers. Diehn's writing is clear and engaging, and each book follows an uplifting narrative of learning and overcoming obstacles. The text is supported by Mazeika's warm, somewhat cartoonish digital artwork, which truly illustrates and brings to life each woman's story. In addition to a photo-illustrated time line and a glossary, the back matter includes a fun project and a great activity matching primary sources with bolded sentences in the text. Human Computer: Mary Jackson, Engineer celebrates Jackson's pioneering achievements as a Black woman overcoming segregation in a male-dominated field and then helping others to do the same. While most books in the Picture Book Biography series (4 titles) are highly recommended, purchasers at schools and libraries should be aware of a sensitivity issue in its fourth volume, Fossil Huntress: Mary Leakey, Paleontologist.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)