The Children’s Book Review | May 16, 2017
The Children’s Book Review: Which five words best describe Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code?
Laurie Wallmark: I’ll use my five words to describe Grace Hopper herself: curious, unique, persistent, intelligent, and stubborn.
Can you share one highlight from Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code with our readers?
A tidbit that many people don’t know about Grace is that even though she was brilliant, she failed her Latin college entrance exam. She had to wait an extra year before she could go to college. I like the message this gives to kids that one setback will not ruin the rest of your life.
What has been the best reaction from a reader, so far?
Children often can’t believe that I’ve written about a real person. This shows me that the facts about my subject haven’t overwhelmed the story.
Why do you think non-fiction books are important for kids to read?
Reading well-written nonfiction exposes children to areas of interest they may never have considered before. For example, biographies of mathematicians and scientists might encourage children to enter these fields.
What’s on your nightstand? Any books?
My Gym Teacher is an Alien Overlord by David Solomon. I love humorous middle-grade books that don’t take themselves too seriously.
For your writing energy: sugar or salt, tea or coffee?
Sugar and salt. I don’t drink either tea or coffee, only water.
Writing tools: computer, pen and paper, or all of the above?
I almost always write on the computer. The only time I don’t is the rare occasion I don’t have access to one.
Can you tell us something that even your most loyal fans may not know about you?
I teach computer science to men incarcerated in maximum security prisons who are pursuing an associate’s degree.
Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?
Keep sharing your love of books with children. That’s the best way to grow the next generation of readers.
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Written by Laurie Wallmark
Illustrated by Katy Wu
Publisher’s Synopsis: “If you’ve got a good idea, and you know it’s going to work, go ahead and do it.”
The inspiring story of Grace Hopper—the boundary-breaking woman who revolutionized computer science—is told told in an engaging picture book biography.
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.
Ages 5-8 | Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books | 2017 | ISBN-13: 978-1454920007
Available Here:
About Laurie Wallmark
Laurie Wallmark is passionate about getting the word out to young people about successful women in science. She has degrees in Biochemistry from Princeton University, Information Systems from Goddard College, and Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Her debut book was a picture book biography of Ada Byron Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer. Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine (Creston Books) received four starred reviews (Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and School Library Journal), praise in The New York Times, and numerous awards. Laurie lives in NJ. Follow her on Facebook: @lauriewallmark.
Click here to join Laurie as she travels from blog to blog to introduce her picture book biography, Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code.
This speed interview with Laurie Wallmark, author of Grace Hopper: Queen of Conputer Code, was conducted by Bianca Schulze. For similar books and articles, follow along with our content tagged with Suspense, Young Adult Fiction and Speed Interview.