Hidden Figures

Identity & Invisibility: The title Hidden Figures operates on multiple levels — referring both to the mathematical calculations and to the women themselves. In what ways were Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden overlooked by society? What social, racial, and gender dynamics contributed to their invisibility?

Intersectionality: These women faced discrimination on two fronts: race and gender. How did the intersection of these identities shape their professional experiences differently than it might have for white women or Black men working at NACA/NASA? Can you find specific examples from the text that highlight this double burden?

Resilience & Agency: Despite systemic barriers, the women of West Computing found ways to advance their careers and assert their expertise. What strategies did they employ to navigate a discriminatory system? Do you see these strategies as acts of resistance, pragmatism, or both?

The Role of Education: Education is portrayed as a powerful tool throughout the narrative. How did each of the central figures leverage education to challenge the limitations placed on them? What does the book suggest about the link between access to education and social equality?

Historical Context: Hidden Figures is set against the backdrop of the Space Race and the Civil Rights Movement. How do these two national narratives intersect in the book? Does the urgency of the Space Race assist or hinder the progress of racial and gender integration at Langley?

Legacy & Recognition: The women in this book worked for decades before receiving widespread public acknowledgment. Why do you think their contributions were overlooked for so long? What does their later recognition indicate about how history is documented and whose stories are considered worth telling?

Modern Connections: What parallels, if any, do you see between the challenges faced by the women in Hidden Figures and the experiences of underrepresented groups in STEM fields today? Has enough changed, or do systemic barriers remain?

Identity & Invisibility: The title Hidden Figures has a dual meaning — it refers to both mathematical calculations and the women themselves. In what ways were Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden "hidden" from public recognition? What social, institutional, or cultural forces contributed to their lack of visibility?

Race & Gender Intersectionality: The women at the center of this story faced discrimination on two fronts: as Black Americans and as women. How did these intersecting identities shape their experiences at NASA (then NACA)? Can you point to moments in the book where race and gender discrimination compounded each other?

Resilience & Agency: Despite systemic barriers, these women accomplished remarkable things. What strategies did they employ to navigate and resist discrimination? What does their resilience reveal about the connection between individual determination and structural inequality?

The Role of Education: Education is depicted as both a tool for empowerment and an uneven playing field. How does Shetterly use the educational journeys of the characters to explore broader themes of access and opportunity in mid-20th century America?

Historical Context: Hidden Figures is set against the backdrop of the Space Race and the Civil Rights Movement. How do these two historical narratives intersect in the book? In what ways did the urgency of the Space Race challenge and reinforce racial segregation?

Narrative Choices: Shetterly chose to tell this true story in a narrative nonfiction style. How does her approach to storytelling impact your engagement with the material? What are the benefits and drawbacks of blending historical fact with novelistic storytelling?

Legacy & Recognition: The women in Hidden Figures went largely uncelebrated for decades. Why do you think their contributions remained unrecognized for so long? What does this indicate about whose stories are told — and whose are omitted — in official histories?