Preview
  • Reaching for the Moon

  • The Autobiography of NASA Mathematician Katherine Johnson
  • By: Katherine Johnson
  • Narrated by: Heather Alicia Simms
  • Length: 5 hrs and 18 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (109 ratings)

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Reaching for the Moon

By: Katherine Johnson
Narrated by: Heather Alicia Simms
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Publisher's summary

The inspiring autobiography of NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson, who helped launch Apollo 11.

As a young girl, Katherine Johnson showed an exceptional aptitude for math. In school, she quickly skipped ahead several grades and was soon studying complex equations with the support of a professor who saw great promise in her. But ability and opportunity did not always go hand in hand. As an African American and a girl growing up in an era of brutal racism and sexism, Katherine faced daily challenges. Still, she lived her life with her father’s words in mind: “You are no better than anyone else, and nobody else is better than you.”

In the early 1950s, Katherine was thrilled to join the organization that would become NASA. She worked on many of NASA’s biggest projects, including the Apollo 11 mission that landed the first men on the moon.

Katherine Johnson’s story was made famous in the best-selling book and Oscar-nominated film Hidden Figures. Now, in Reaching for the Moon, she tells her own story for the first time, in a lively autobiography that will inspire young listeners everywhere.

©2019 Katherine Johnson (P)2019 Simon & Schuster Audio
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What listeners say about Reaching for the Moon

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I loved it!

I loved listening to this book. I have always been fascinated with space and space travel, so I figured I would read the book. I found myself drawn in by her twlling of her childhood and I couldnt stop. I jad to finish the entire book right when I got it.

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Excellent!!

I have always admired, adored, and respected this brilliant woman. I loved learning more about her background and life story. She was not only strong of mind, but strong in spirit and courage. Thank you for this excellent book. You are a hero. Rest easy amongst the beautiful stars that you loved so much with God now, Mrs. Johnson.

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What an Inspiration

Loved this and couldn't stop listening until I was done. Great to hear the true story of Katherine Johnson and admire her even more. This was a follow up after enjoying Hidden Figures

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One of my heroes!

I'm so glad I got to listen to her story from her point of view. As a woman math major and engineer in space science, I am honored to follow in her footsteps and grateful that she helped pave the way for me to do so. Although there could have been a few more details in the stories, I respect her decision to tell it like she wanted to. Next I want to listen to the biography about her written by two of her daughters.

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Fantastic

It wasn't until I started listening that I learned that it was written for readers 9 and up... and I think it's a fantastic autobiography that is educational and exciting for all ages!

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Better than the movie!

Of course that’s true, a person’s life story cannot be captured in 2 hours...
Every chapter is a fascinating rendition of the many highs & lows of Kathrine’s journey to become a guide star for all.
I was captivated by her gentle yet powerful spirit. This is an important book for youngsters of all race’s, faiths, and nationalities.

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Very Disappointed

I was extremely disappointed with this book. I would not recommend it at all.
Maybe a different version would be better.

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