Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code
by Laurie Wallmark; Illustrated by Katy Wu
Sterling Publishers (Mary 2017)
Audience: Grades 2 to 5
Nonfiction * Biography * Women's History * Science & Technology
Indiebound | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads:
The picture book biography of Grace Hopper—the boundary-breaking woman who revolutionized computer science.

Who was Grace Hopper? A software tester, workplace jester, cherished mentor, ace inventor, avid reader, naval leader—AND rule breaker, chance taker, and troublemaker. Grace Hopper coined the term “computer bug” and taught computers to “speak English,” and throughout her life succeeded in doing what no one had ever done before. Delighting in difficult ideas and in defying expectations, the insatiably curious Hopper truly is “Amazing Grace” . . . and a role model for science- and math-minded girls and boys.

Quick thoughts on this book:
I heard good things about Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code and finally got my hands on the book while Indie Bookstore visiting during my vacation. From the moment I opened up the book and saw the end pages, I knew that this was a special book.

Wallmark tells the story of Grace Hopper and her love of math and coding and the dedication to a career that lasted 50 years. When forced to retire from the Navy at age 60, she was called back a year later and worked another 20 years, retired and then worked for another five years. All those early computer languages, Hopper developed. Can you imagine what kind of passion and dedication it must have taken to also be a women in a completely male dominated world for all those years?

I wish more stories like Hopper's were part of regular history and not just now coming out for us to learn about. Young girls (and boys) need to know about the contributions women have made to science, math, and technology. In addition to learning about Hopper's contributions to the world of computer coding, readers also more about the characteristics and qualities of people who have found their life's work or calling. When I have read biographies or watched documentaries of people who have really become a master in their area/speciality, you can see the similarities evident in Hopper's life.