The Extraordinary Life of Katherine Johnson

Sep 14, 2025 5:37 PM

Author:Maggie Cole,Devika Jina,Weruche Opia

Brought to you by Puffin.

"A wonderful non-fiction book . . . The layout of the book is fun, with many pictures, and small blurbs of extra information." - Goodreads reviewer Hannah Lightning

In 1969 history was made when the first humans stepped on the moon. Back on earth, one woman was running the numbers that ensured they got there and back in one piece.

As a child, Katherine Johnson loved maths. She went on to be one of the most important people in the history of space travel.

Extraordinary Lives is a bold, inclusive biography series shining a light on modern and historical figures. Entertaining, accessible and educational, they are the perfect introductions to these amazing people and their achievements.

Reviews

Dean Burnett has written the book I needed in my teens...It's too late for me, but parents and youths, save yourselves

—— Holly Brockwell, Evening Standard

A wonderfully useful book, told with Dean Burnett's trademark wit and wisdom

—— Adam Kay, best-selling author of THIS IS GOING TO HURT

A transformative book that could save many troubled teen-parent relationships

—— Alom Shaha, author of Mr Shaha's Recipes for Wonder

A light touch on a serious subject. Great for helping teenagers learn how to maintain good mental health through the tricky years of adolescence, and understand just why their parents are so annoying!

—— Dr Beth Ross-Gilles, Child Clinical Psychologist

Every kid should have a copy of this book (parents can read it in secret late at night)

—— Tracy King, STEM Campaigner

Refreshingly frank, warm, honest and funny and really does relate to all the realities of the parent-teen relationship... Read this book if you're a teenager. If you know a teen, do them a favour and buy them a copy.

—— Make (Good) Trouble

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