Millbrook Press/Lerner Books
ISBN: 978154157914

Classified

Mary Golda Ross designed classified airplanes and spacecraft as Lockheed Aircraft Corporation's first female engineer. Find out how her passion for math and the Cherokee values she was raised with shaped her life and work.
Cherokee author Traci Sorell and Métis illustrator Natasha Donovan trace Ross's journey from being the only girl in a high school math class to becoming a teacher to pursuing an engineering degree, joining the top-secret Skunk Works division of Lockheed, and being a mentor for Native Americans and young women interested in engineering. In addition, the narrative highlights Cherokee values including education, working cooperatively, remaining humble, and helping ensure equal opportunity and education for all.

BUY SIGNED HARD COVER

En Español

BUY AUDIO BOOK

recognition

2024 Bank Street College of Education's Best Spanish Language Picture Book List
2022 American Indian Youth Literature Award - Picture Book Honor
2022 Septima Clark Book Award - Honor
2022 Orbis Pictus Honor Award
2022 Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices List
2022 Rise: A Feminist Book Project List
2021 NSTA/CBC Best STEM Books for Students
2021 Kirkus Best Children's Book List
2021 Junior Library Guild selection

RAVE REVIEWS

“Meticulously researched and subtly framed according to the Cherokee beliefs that piloted Ross, page-turning prose elevates this Indigenous hidden figure to her rightful place in history. In addition, bold, classic-comics–like illustrations and colors reminiscent of 1950s advertisements give an appropriately retro vibe. A stellar addition to the genre that will launch careers and inspire for generations, it deserves space alongside stories of other world leaders and innovators. Liftoff. A biography that lands beyond the stars!”

—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“. . . a valuable addition to units on Indigenous individuals or women in STEM.”

—Booklist
This title spotlights the story of an innovative Cherokee aerospace engineer, whose life sets an inspiring example for all children.”

—School Library Journal
“Through realistically cartooned digital illustrations and straightforward text, readers learn how Ross’s experiences reflected these traits. Because she valued learning and had a passion for math, Ross was able to persevere.”

—The Horn Book Magazine