Hidden Figures: questions to ask and activities to try
Four Black women used maths to help send astronauts into space. Hidden Figures is the inspiring true story, told as a picture book.
What age is it for? Hidden Figures is best for ages 5–8. Good for: Four Black women who helped NASA reach space.
Hidden Figures (Margot Lee Shetterly and Laura Freeman)
- Age
- 5-8
- Best for
- Four Black women who helped NASA reach space
Read it and talk about the unfairness they faced, and how they kept going. Connect it to maths your child does.
What it helps with
- Maths and science careers
- Racism and sexism in history
- Determination
- Women in STEM
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “Who were the four women?”
- “What did they love?”
- “Where did they work?”
- “What unfairness did they face?”
- “What did they achieve?”
- “What would you like to work on?”
5-minute activities to try together
Maths heroes
Do a maths puzzle and imagine it's for a rocket launch.
Hidden heroes
Find out about another hidden hero from history.
Free printables: Hidden Figures worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Ada Twist, Scientist (Andrea Beaty and David Roberts)
- Best for
- Endless questions, curiosity and science
- Age
- 4-8
Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History (Vashti Harrison)
- Best for
- Bold Black women who changed the world
- Age
- 5-8
An Engineer Like Me (Shini Somara and Nadja Sarell)
- Best for
- Curiosity, engineering and inventing things
- Age
- 5-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.