One Step Further
Author: Katherine Johnson
Illustrator: Charnelle Pinkney Barlow
National Geographic Books
Ages 4-8
This is a picture book that touches on so much more than just the story of a person’s life. It is a story of perseverance, struggle, determination, success, and limitless ambition to overcome challenges. This is a story about accomplishments and making a difference in the world.
Katherine Johnson was known as a computer when NASA was still known as NACA. As a black woman, she was not considered someone who could, or much less should, become involved in questioning anything. She was expected to simply do a job and nothing more. She did want more however, and she made that known.
Told simultaneously from her perspective and that of her daughters, this story shows readers what determination is all about and gives a perfect example of how hard work, dedication, and a hunger to make a difference can lead to an exceptional end.
Katherine became well respected and even sought out for her expert knowledge and showed her daughters that they could accomplish anything they set their mind to. As a result of her example, they went on to become successful in their own right and followed in their mother’s footsteps.
Written in an engaging, interest grabbing format, the story takes readers on a journey with a true pioneer not only in Black History but also women’s history. It shows young readers, especially young women, that taking one step further can mean so much more than what we see at face value.
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More books for this Age Group can be found here.
My thanks to National Geographic Books for providing a Review Copy of this book. All opinions provided herein are my own.
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