The Girl Who Counted the Stars

by Maya Sterling

A long time ago, in a place filled with big dreams.

Grade 1 (Level I): Early readers10 pages

The story of Katherine Johnson, the mathematician whose calculations helped send astronauts to the moon

Characters

Katherine Johnson

Mr. Harrison

Mary

Woodcut & Linocut

Story Arc

Katherine loved numbers. She loved big numbers, too. She liked to count the stars.

One day, Katherine got a new job. It was at a big place called NASA. She felt so excited.

Katherine walked into a big room. Many people were working there. A kind woman, Mary, smiled at Katherine.

Then Katherine met Mr. Harrison. He gave her many papers. The numbers were very important.

Katherine worked hard every day. She checked all the numbers carefully. She loved her work.

One morning, Mr. Harrison looked worried. Some important numbers were wrong. Everyone felt a little scared.

Katherine looked at the numbers. She saw the big mistake. She knew how to fix it.

Katherine walked to Mr. Harrison’s desk. She showed him the correct numbers. “These are right,” she said softly.

Mr. Harrison looked at her numbers. His stern face softened a bit. He saw that Katherine was right.

Now Katherine helped with big projects. Everyone trusted her numbers. Her talent made the rockets fly!

Make one of your own next.

excited: Feeling very happy and eager about something that is going to happen.; She felt so excited.
kind: Being nice and friendly to others.; A kind woman, Mary, smiled at Katherine.
important: Something that matters a lot and should be paid attention to.; The numbers were very important.
carefully: Doing something with a lot of attention so you don't make mistakes.; She checked all the numbers carefully.
worried: Feeling a little sad or scared because something might be wrong.; One morning, Mr. Harrison looked worried.
mistake: Something that is not done right, like getting a number wrong.; She saw the big mistake.
correct: Being right or true, not wrong.; She showed him the correct numbers.
stern: Looking serious and a little bit grumpy.; His stern face softened a bit.
softened: To become less hard or strict, like a smile appearing.; His stern face softened a bit.
trusted: Believing that someone or something is good and will not let you down.; Everyone trusted her numbers.
talent: A special natural ability to do something very well.; Her talent made the rockets fly!