Reaching for the Moon

The Autobiography of NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson

De: Katherine Johnson

Narrado por: Heather Alicia Simms

“This rich volume is a national treasure.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Captivating, informative, and inspiring…Easy to follow and hard to put down.” —School Library Journal (starred review)

The inspiring autobiography of NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, who helped launch Apollo 11.

As a young girl, Katherine Johnson showed an exceptional aptitude for math. In school she quickly skipped ahead several grades and was soon studying complex equations with the support of a professor who saw great promise in her. But ability and opportunity did not always go hand in hand. As an African American and a girl growing up in an era of brutal racism and sexism, Katherine faced daily challenges. Still, she lived her life with her father’s words in mind: “You are no better than anyone else, and nobody else is better than you.”

In the early 1950s, Katherine was thrilled to join the organization that would become NASA. She worked on many of NASA’s biggest projects including the Apollo 11 mission that landed the first men on the moon.

Katherine Johnson’s story was made famous in the bestselling book and Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures. Now in Reaching for the Moon she tells her own story for the first time, in a lively autobiography that will inspire young readers everywhere.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Narrator Heather Simms gives a captivating performance of Katherine Johnson's inspiring life story. At age 4, Katherine was helping her older brother with his schoolwork, and by age 18, she had graduated from college with degrees in mathematics and French. In describing her parents' struggles and sacrifices to educate all their children, Johnson describes the impact that racism, school segregation, and poverty had on her life. But she persevered, achieving her goal of being a research mathematician. Simms gives an upbeat voice to Johnson's triumphs as she proves herself to NASA engineers and becomes instrumental in the success of the first U.S. space flights. Johnson's passion for learning, her love for her family, and her pride in her remarkable professional accomplishments come through loud and clear in Simms's voice."

I loved it!

I loved listening to this book. I have always been fascinated with space and space travel, so I figured I would read the book. I found myself drawn in by her twlling of her childhood and I couldnt stop. I jad to finish the entire book right when I got it.

What an Inspiration

Loved this and couldn't stop listening until I was done. Great to hear the true story of Katherine Johnson and admire her even more. This was a follow up after enjoying Hidden Figures

Excellent!!

I have always admired, adored, and respected this brilliant woman. I loved learning more about her background and life story. She was not only strong of mind, but strong in spirit and courage. Thank you for this excellent book. You are a hero. Rest easy amongst the beautiful stars that you loved so much with God now, Mrs. Johnson.

One of my heroes!

I'm so glad I got to listen to her story from her point of view. As a woman math major and engineer in space science, I am honored to follow in her footsteps and grateful that she helped pave the way for me to do so. Although there could have been a few more details in the stories, I respect her decision to tell it like she wanted to. Next I want to listen to the biography about her written by two of her daughters.

Fantastic

It wasn't until I started listening that I learned that it was written for readers 9 and up... and I think it's a fantastic autobiography that is educational and exciting for all ages!

Better than the movie!

Of course that’s true, a person’s life story cannot be captured in 2 hours...
Every chapter is a fascinating rendition of the many highs & lows of Kathrine’s journey to become a guide star for all.
I was captivated by her gentle yet powerful spirit. This is an important book for youngsters of all race’s, faiths, and nationalities.

Very Disappointed

I was extremely disappointed with this book. I would not recommend it at all.
Maybe a different version would be better.