Reviews

Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer by Traci Sorell

jess_mango's review against another edition

4.0

This is a great picture book for any diverse collection. The book is written by a member of the Cherokee Nation and tells the true story of a female innovator who was also from the Cherokee Nation. Mary Gold Ross was born in the early 20th century and excelled at math at an early age. She was often the only girl in her class. She went on to study math at college. Eventually she was hired as the first female engineer at Lockheed Martin. She was later selected to be part of a team working on a top secret project. Through it all Mary continued to advocate for indigenous people and females to pursue interests in math & science.

This is a story sure to inspire elementary aged children. It is a classic story of pushing against the status quo to open up new paths and possibilities.


Thank you to the publisher for the review copy!

redang's review against another edition

3.0

Interesting look into another pioneering woman in the aviation and space program. The information given about her life was basic and didn't delve into the more specific's of her contributions. A lot of the focus was on her Indian heritage and how it was brought out by actions during her life. This seemed as if it was preaching a bit instead of being a true biography.

anniejaneb's review against another edition

5.0

I loved how this book was written! It was factual and encouraging without being a whiny version of the story.

katiegrrrl's review against another edition

5.0

I love learning about women I have never heard of that did incredible things like Mary Gilda Ross who was an Aerospace Engineer when very few woman were allowed to do this work.

2022 YMA American Indian Youth Literature Picture Book Honor

aldarakamey's review against another edition

5.0

This is a middle grey/ kids book about Mary Golda Ross and her story, if you like me doesn’t know her and What she did, this books is perfect and if you do know, this story reminds you that stories about women in STEM areas are so hard to find, and way more hard histories of BIPOC women, once you find one, we need to give it more publicity and make them know so we can inspire every single person want to join the field, and see that there is nothing impossible

awesomejen2's review against another edition

informative inspiring fast-paced

5.0

dorayang's review against another edition

4.0

This is a brief biography of Mary Golda Ross, who had a lifelong passion for math and science and went on to become an accomplished engineer. Packed into only 32 pages, it is a good book to inspire and influence curious young minds of today!

shighley's review against another edition

5.0

This book would be a great addition to diversify a biography section; too often several of the same people are subject to numerous biographies. What an amazing life she led, almost living to 100. This has a nice balance of text, illustrations, and back matter that would make it easily accessible for students.

the_lobrarian's review against another edition

• Illustrations are pencil, ink, and ProCreate

iffer's review against another edition

3.0

I appreciate that this book exists so that more people, including me and children, can learn of the existence of Mary Golda Ross. Understandably, since it's a children's book and some of Mary Golda Ross' work is still classified, the book is thin on details. I like that the authors made a point of mentioning Cherokee values and helping others succeed when you can.