Bedtime Biography_ Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly is a captivating book that tells the story of the African-American women who played a crucial role in NASA during the Space Race. The book sheds light on the lives of these unsung heroes who were instrumental in helping America win the Space Race against the Soviet Union. The book is an inspiring tale of perseverance, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity.
Chapter Summary
Chapter 1: The Problem with the Pipeline
The first chapter of the book introduces the reader to the concept of the “Pipeline,” which refers to the stream of African-American mathematicians who worked for NASA during the Space Race. The chapter also highlights the challenges faced by these mathematicians, who were often underpaid and undervalued despite their crucial role in the success of NASA’s missions.
Chapter 2: The Women of West Computing
The second chapter of the book focuses on the women who worked in the West Computing section of Langley Research Center. These women were responsible for calculating the trajectories of rockets and planes, and their work was essential to the success of NASA’s missions. The chapter also highlights the challenges faced by these women, who were often subjected to discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
Chapter 3: The Girl from Hampton
The third chapter of the book tells the story of Christine Darden, a woman who grew up in Hampton, Virginia, and went on to become one of NASA’s most accomplished mathematicians. Christine’s story is a testament to the resilience and determination of these women, who overcame numerous obstacles to achieve their goals.
Chapter 4: The Girl from Monroe
The fourth chapter of the book tells the story of Katherine Johnson, another African-American woman who worked for NASA during the Space Race. Katherine’s story is a testament to the incredible skill and intelligence of these women, who were often overlooked by their male colleagues.
Chapter 5: The Girl from Newport News
The fifth chapter of the book tells the story of Mary Jackson, another African-American woman who worked for NASA during the Space Race. Mary’s story is a testament to the determination and resilience of these women, who often faced discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
Conclusion
Bedtime Biography_ Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly is a powerful and inspiring book that tells the story of the African-American women who played a crucial role in NASA during the Space Race. The book is a testament to the incredible skill, intelligence, and resilience of these women, who often faced discrimination and harassment in the workplace. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of NASA, the Space Race, or the struggle for civil rights in America.
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