The Girl With A Mind For Math: The Story of Raye Montague, written by Julia Finley Mosca and illustrated by Daniel Rieley

 




Description from the publisher:

"Meet Raye Montague―the hidden mastermind who made waves in the U.S. Navy!

After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades. Through it all, the gifted mathematician persisted―finally gaining her well-deserved title in history: a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever.

The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague is the third book in a riveting educational series about the inspiring lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you'll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Montague herself!"


Text Features: 

  • Narrative nonfiction (biography) picture book written in rhyming verse.
  • Keywords (nouns and adjectives) are highlighted for the reader through capitalization.
  • Back matter highlights: Letter to Readers; excerpts from the author's interview with Raye Montague before she passed in 2018; timeline of Raye's life; more in-depth information about Raye's life.
Critical Literacy Suggestions:

Read & Discuss: 
  • BEFORE reading: read the book blurb and discuss what students know about 'sexism' and 'racial inequality'...and how those terms can help readers predict what life obstacles Raye Montague likely faced given her dream of becoming an engineer. Record a summary of students' predictions.
  • DURING reading: pause throughout to check on student predictions and add to their list of obstacles. Also, start a list of traits and accomplishments.
  • AFTER reading: discuss with students why they think Julia Finley Mosca wrote this book
Write & Act: 
  • Raye showed great determination and persistence throughout her life to fulfill her dream despite experiencing sexism and racism. Design a poster to encourage others to fulfill their dreams. Copy your poster and display it so you can remind yourself and others to follow their dreams. 

Learn More:

  • Visit the Amazing Scientists picture book series website! Learn more about why Julia and Daniel created their books and their extra activity suggestions.

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