
Age rating and parents' guide:Hidden Figures (Young Readers' Edition)
by Margot Lee Shetterly
Ages 9–14
Hidden Figures (Young Readers' Edition) by Margot Lee Shetterly is best for children aged 9–14. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Historical racism themes.
This inspiring non-fiction book shares the true story of four brilliant African American female mathematicians—Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden—who played vital roles in NASA's early space missions. Offers space for thoughtful conversations about empathy and difficult choices.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- None
- Scary moments
- None
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Worth knowing: Historical racism themes
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Non-fiction
- A steady start that picks up quickly
- Some illustrations
- Emotionally light
Great for kids who like
- Science Fiction & Space
- Action & Adventure
- Space
Reading mood
- Adventurous
- Informative
Good to talk about
- Science Fiction & Space
- Action & Adventure
Books like Hidden Figures (Young Readers' Edition)
Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

Ages 9–11
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by Ben Hatke
When her best friend is suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal, Zita doesn't hesitate to jump in after him. She lands on an alien planet facing total destruction and must navigate a strange new world full of quirky creatures, friendly monsters, and neurotic robots. Makes room for curious questions and discovering how things work.

Ages 12–14
I Am Malala (Young Readers Edition)
by Malala Yousafzai with Patricia McCormick
Growing up in Pakistan's Swat Valley, Malala Yousafzai loved school and learning. When the Taliban took control of her region and banned girls from attending classes, she spoke out publicly for her right to an education, making her a target for violence. Adapted for younger readers, this memoir offers an intimate, inspiring look at a girl's ordinary life turned extraordinary. Readers are drawn to Malala's courage, warmth, and determination to stand up against injustice.

Ages 6–11
Counting on Katherine
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From a young age, Katherine Johnson counted everything around her, driven by a deep curiosity and love for mathematics. Despite facing barriers due to her race and gender, she pursued her education and joined NASA, where her precise calculations helped launch the first American into space and safely navigate the Apollo 13 mission. Encourages observation, discovery, and a lively sense of wonder.

Ages 9–11
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Ages 6–11
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These companion guides to the Magic Tree House fiction series let young readers dig deeper into the real-world science, history, and animals behind Jack and Annie's adventures. Filled with simple facts, engaging illustrations, photos, and easy-to-digest chapters, each guide explores topics ranging from ancient civilizations and dinosaurs to extreme weather and space. A friendly starting point for exploring science through everyday questions.

Ages 9–11
National Geographic Kids Why?
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