Thank you to Elia Ben-Ari for sharing this compass.
 

Here is what Sterling, the publisher has to say: Who was Grace Hopper? A software tester, workplace jester, cherished mentor, ace inventor, avid reader, naval leader--AND rule breaker, chance taker, and troublemaker. Acclaimed picture book author Laurie Wallmark (Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine) once again tells the riveting story of a trailblazing woman. Grace Hopper coined the term “computer bug” and taught computers to “speak English.” Throughout her life, Hopper succeeded in doing what no one had ever done before. Delighting in difficult ideas and in defying expectations, the insatiably curious Hopper truly was “Amazing Grace” . . . and a role model for science- and math-minded girls and boys. With a wealth of witty quotes, and richly detailed illustrations, this book brings Hopper's incredible accomplishments to life. 

 
Nugget (adapted in part from book jacket): With her passion for problem-solving, insatiable curiosity, and a refusal to do things the way they had always been done, Grace Hopper—sometimes known as “Amazing Grace”—transformed the world of computer science and eventually became an admiral in the U.S. Navy, where she worked until the age of 79.
 
Need Enticement: The book starts with an anecdote about how Grace Hopper “figured out a way to store pieces of a program” inside a computer. “No one had ever done that before. Grace was the first.”
 
Escalation: Shows how, “even as a child, Grace loved to tinker with gadgets” and understand how they worked so she could make them better. While trying to fix a broken clock, she ends up taking apart seven clocks in her house until she figured out what made them tick. After first failing Latin in her college entrance exams, she studies and studies until she conquers Latin, passes her exams, and is admitted to Vassar. Later, at age thirty-six, she persists for more than a year until she convinces the Navy to take her, even though she is “too old and too skinny to enlist.”
 
Satisfying Ending: Grace finally retires from the Navy, for the second time, at age 79, after dedicating her life to solving computer problems. “No wonder people called her ‘Amazing Grace’!”
 
Sources: The back of the book includes a selected bibliography as well as additional reading about other women in STEM.
 
Show Words: computer program (or code), colossal, experimentation, junior-engineer, blueprint, “Dare and Do” (her personal motto), soggy student, stray sparks, insatiable, computer “bug,” etc.
 
Why?: Grace Hopper shows how spunk and persistence, a “Dare and Do” attitude, and a sense of humor can help overcome life’s challenges and lead to a successful and satisfying career in a field (computer science, in this case) that is traditionally dominated by men.
 
Need and Want: Grace wanted to become a computer scientist, join the Navy, and continue working after the Navy initially forced her to retire at age sixty. She needed to prove to herself that she could solve problems (and succeed in a man’s world) through persistence and unconventional thinking.

Disclaimer: This is my book, so naturally I'm biased. But there are things that today would not sell that did sell this book in 2014. I'll point them out.


Publisher's Description: Discover the story of the girl who sewed the American flag that inspired the lyrics of the National Anthem in this beautifully illustrated celebration of our country’s iconic symbol for freedom.

Caroline Pickersgill came from a family of the best flag makers in Baltimore. She and her family proudly stitched the grand flag that gallantly whipped in the wind over Fort McHenry.

But when the British attacked Baltimore on September 12, 1814, would those broad stripes and bright stars still wave strong? Would America still be free and remain the home of the brave?



Nugget: A thirteen-year-old girl is a third generation flag maker, during the war of 1812; along with her family and the women in the house, she makes a flag so large that the British can see it from miles away.

NE: I open with simple sewing words. This book is intended for the younger audience. In the very opening of the book, we establish that Caroline comes from a family of the best flag makers.

Escalation: I escalate from making the flag through the British marching into Baltimore through that fateful night in September 1814 when Francis Scott Key is held on a boat and looks out a portal window while young Caroline looks out bedroom window; both wondering if the American flag still waves. 

SE: I end with the famous line from our National Anthem adding context and symbolism- Her first flag, waving goodbye to the British, who were leaving the Home of The Brave.

Source: Besides having assistance from the Flag House Museum (the home of Caroline Pickersgill and where the flag was made), I listed several books and locations.

SW: My show words are words from the National Anthem as well as onomatopoeia since this book is intended for the younger audience.

Why: I am a new American, Greek. But this country brings forth pride in me that shines like the fireworks on the Fourth of July. Unfortunately, I don't think Children are taught patriotism today.

NW: Caroline wants to help her family, but she needs to know that the flag makes it through the night. If the flag is still waving, this means the British didn't tear it down, they didn't win, we aren't under British rule again. Falling under British rule for Caroline would mean her livelihood since the British still opposed women-owned business and property. It would mean higher taxes and stricter laws.

This book has come under fire because of Grace Wisher, the indentured servant. First let me tell you that I have a copy of Grace's indentured servant papers, and the contract established by her mother and Mary Pickersgill, as well as the letter first written. I take my research seriously. Unfortunately, there is not enough material available to write a story and do justice to the truth including the fact that Grace was either 13, 15, or 16 according to the letters. Unfortunately for an illustrator to depict Grace, I felt that it would be demeaning. Grace was a servant PERIOD. Her clothes were not the same quality as the ladies of the house or their family. How could I tell a story about a girl, who helped to something so fabulous, yet show her dresses less than equal? How could I write a book without enough facts and still be nonfiction? How could I write a book about a girl when it was her mother I admire ten times more. Yes, to me Jenny Wisher was the hero. If I could write about anyone, it would have been her. A mom that loved her child so much that she would approach a big time business owner (think of you or I approaching Bill Gates) and make a deal, Jenny did that for her child. She wanted a better life for her child. 

What happens now? Well, we keep tearing down all of the authors that do extensive research because they don't tell the story that we want to hear. And eventually we will have no stories being told, and parts of history will be lost.