Hidden Figures: Young Readers Edition

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of racism and gender discrimination.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. What surprised you most about the contributions of these “hidden figures” to the Space Race and NASA’s achievements?

2. When Shetterly shares her personal connection to NASA and these women, how did this framing affect your reading experience?

3. How does Hidden Figures compare to other historical narratives like Rebecca Skloot’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks or Code Girls by Liza Mundy?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Which approach to facing discrimination in the book resonated most with you?

2. In what ways have you experienced the power of community support in your own life?

3. Katherine Johnson believed in expecting progress despite obstacles. When have you maintained a similar mindset in challenging situations?

4. Think about the teachers who have significantly impacted you just as these women did for younger generations. Who stands out in your life and why?

5. The women at NASA balanced demanding careers with family responsibilities and community service. How do you find this balance in your own life?

6. Describe spaces that have shaped your sense of belonging or exclusion throughout your life.

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. To what extent does this story reflect today’s conversations about representation in STEM fields?

2. Systems of discrimination in the 1950s and 1960s created inefficiencies that affected everyone, not just those directly targeted. Where do you observe similar effects in contemporary society?

3. Do you believe technological advancement naturally leads to social progress or is the relationship more complicated?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Why might Shetterly have chosen to focus on four women rather than telling just one person’s story?

2. Consider the symbolism of physical movement between segregated spaces throughout the text. How does this reinforce the book’s themes?

3. The term “computer” evolved from describing women to describing machines. What does this linguistic shift reveal about the book’s central message?

4. Reflect on the contrast between Katherine’s crucial calculations and her watching the Moon landing from a hotel room. What statement does this juxtaposition make?

5. Why do you think Shetterly included Christine Darden, who represents a later generation of women in STEM and appears only briefly in the narrative?

6. The book balances personal stories with broader historical events. Which aspects of this dual narrative structure were most effective for you?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. If Dorothy, Mary, Katherine, and Christine visited a high school science class today, what message would they share with students?

2. Imagine you’re creating a museum exhibit about these women. Describe what artifacts or interactive experiences would you include to tell their story.

3. The women in Hidden Figures transformed limitations into opportunities throughout their careers. Write about a situation where you’ve done something similar in your own life.

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