The Brilliant Calculator: How Mathematician Edith Clarke Helped Electrify America by Jan Lower and Susan Reagan

The Brilliant Calculator: How Mathematician Edith Clarke Helped Electrify America
Written by Jan Lower;
Illustrated by Susan Reagan
Calkins Creek. An Imprint of Astra Books for Young Readers. 2023

Edith Clarke was born in 1883, in Howard County, Maryland. From a very young age she devoured anything relating to numbers. She dreamed of building railroads, dams, bridges, and hoped to one day travel the world. In 1908, Edith earned a degree in mathematics and astronomy from Vassar College. Fascinated by electricity, Edith went on to be the first woman to graduate from MIT with a masters of science in electrical engineer. 

After graduating from MIT, Edith went to work at General Electric (GE) Turbine Engineering Department as director of women computors. 

Edith would go on to be the first female hired as an electrical engineer at GE, and patents her creation, the Clarke Calculator.

This picture book biography is a charming and exciting read. Partnered with Reagan's full-page, colorful illustrations, done in watercolor with digital drawings, bring the book to life. Quotes from Clarke are presented throughout.

Included is an author's note, timeline (my favorite addition to any nonfiction title), glossary, short biographies of other women mathematicians, engineers, and inventors, and extensive bibliography.

A great addition to any STEM display.