Grace Hopper

Meet Grace Hopper: the woman who revolutionised computer coding, coined the term 'computer bug' and taught computers to 'speak English. An ace inventor and groundbreaker, Grace Hopper transformed the world of computer science. This book tells the inspirational story of this amazing woman with a passion for maths, an insatiable curiosity and the firm belief that "it's easier to ask for forgiveness than...to get permission."

*“Wallmark's tone is admiring, even awestruck, describing Hopper's skill, inventiveness, and strength of character in straightforward, accessible language, introducing a neglected heroine to a new generation of readers. Wu's strong, bright digital illustrations perfectly complement the text while incorporating Hopper's own words in a variety of bold, eye-catching pull quotes scattered throughout the pages. Amazing Grace indeed.” —Kirkus (Starred review) “Well-chosen anecdotes and quotes offer a sense of [Grace’s] personality . . . Wu’s digital illustrations feature rich colors, strong structure, and unexpected but accurate details. An inviting picture-book biography.” —Booklist “[T]he author paints an engaging portrait of a unique woman in this bright and informative biography. . . .The vibrant palette and straightforward composition are eye-catching, and Hopper’s curiosity, love of learning, and ambition shine through in her expressive features. . . . VERDICT Inquisitive readers who, like Hopper, ‘want to understand how things work’ will appreciate this upbeat biography of a woman who was ahead of her time.A sound purchase for most collections.” —School Library Journal “. . . an upbeat biography . . . Newcomer Wu’s digital illustrations are rendered in a vivid and appealing cartoon style that harmonizes with Wallmark’s enthusiastic writing, which emphasizes how Hopper’s accomplishments arose as much from her intuition as her number sense. Quotes from Hopper, scattered throughout, further amplify the personality and drive of a trailblazing programmer.” —Publishers Weekly “Grace Hopper was mechanically, scientifically, and mathematically minded since childhood, as this biography playfully explains via several anecdotes. Then, while serving almost fifty years in the Navy, she broke barriers for women--and for computer science. A  biographical poem graces the front endpapers; the back endpapers mention Hopper's honors. Kid-appealing digital cartoons are reminiscent of Hopper's own propensity for doodling. Reading list, timeline. Bib.” —Horn Book  , *“Wallmark's tone is admiring, even awestruck, describing Hopper's skill, inventiveness, and strength of character in straightforward, accessible language, introducing a neglected heroine to a new generation of readers. Wu's strong, bright digital illustrations perfectly complement the text while incorporating Hopper's own words in a variety of bold, eye-catching pull quotes scattered throughout the pages. Amazing Grace indeed.” —Kirkus (Starred review) “Well-chosen anecdotes and quotes offer a sense of [Grace’s] personality . . . Wu’s digital illustrations feature rich colors, strong structure, and unexpected but accurate details. An inviting picture-book biography.” —Booklist “[T]he author paints an engaging portrait of a unique woman in this bright and informative biography. . . .The vibrant palette and straightforward composition are eye-catching, and Hopper’s curiosity, love of learning, and ambition shine through in her expressive features. . . . VERDICT Inquisitive readers who, like Hopper, ‘want to understand how things work’ will appreciate this upbeat biography of a woman who was ahead of her time.A sound purchase for most collections.” —School Library Journal “. . . an upbeat biography . . . Newcomer Wu’s digital illustrations are rendered in a vivid and appealing cartoon style that harmonizes with Wallmark’s enthusiastic writing, which emphasizes how Hopper’s accomplishments arose as much from her intuition as her number sense. Quotes from Hopper, scattered throughout, further amplify the personality and drive of a trailblazing programmer.” —Publishers Weekly “Grace Hopper was mechanically, scientifically, and mathematically minded since childhood, as this biography playfully explains via several anecdotes. Then, while serving almost fifty years in the Navy, she broke barriers for women--and for computer science. A  biographical poem graces the front endpapers; the back endpapers mention Hopper's honors. Kid-appealing digital cartoons are reminiscent of Hopper's own propensity for doodling. Reading list, timeline. Bib.” —Horn Book  

Laurie Wallmark is a biochemist and software engineer and is passionate about getting the word out to young people about successful women in science. Katy Wu is currently a Doodler at Google and holds a BFA in Illustration and Entertainment Arts.