Molly Magnell

Neil couldn't have walked on the moon without Josephine, Dee, and Katherine. An inspiring introduction to the "hidden figures" of NASA's Team Apollo Mechanical engineer Suzanne Slade highlights 12 female pioneers of STEM in this encouraging nonfiction picture book, perfect for 6-to-9-year-old aspiring engineers and astronauts This is the story of our daring quest to visit the moon, featuring twelve talented women who helped get us there. These women performed a variety of daunting jobs to accomplish the first moon landing. Some of their impressive accomplishments include: How Phyllis Gaylard helped design the descent engine that allowed for a gentle landing on the lunar surface. Hazel Fellows' creation of the spacesuits that shielded the astronauts on the moon. And Katherine Johnson's verification of the flight calculations that let them return home safely. Playful, retro-style illustrations pay homage to the 60s era. Despite sexism and racism, these "hidden figures" persisted, contributing to the space program and paving the way for future women engineers and astronauts. Women on a Mission will surely astound and inspire young readers.