NAME:LEBOY O.

CORONG COURSE SUBJECT: CHILDREN AND

ADOLESCENT LITERATURE
COURSE AND YEAR: BSED II-
ENGLISH
TOPIC: 5.Multi-cultural and International Literature
a. Akong Bugsay by A. Aboitiz
b. Stories by L. Gatmaitan and other Palanca awardees
c. Hidden Figures by L.. Shetterly

Multi-cultural and International Literature

Multicultural literature, as defined by (Yokoto, 2001), comprises works concerning

minorities and other groups that have been excluded by mainstream society. Everyone from
all walks of life and all walks of culture would be included in this definition. It also includes
concerns about sexuality, disability, and gender identity.
According to the research of (Hseu and Hetzel, 2000), students can benefit much from
reading multicultural literature since it helps them better comprehend both their own and
other cultures. Students from different cultural origins can learn from each other and form
stronger bonds via increased understanding. Students in the 21st century are active
members of society all around the world, so it is essential that they develop cultural
awareness.

Norton (2009) showed that students benefited from being able to make connections
between global events and the themes, conflicts, and characters found in multicultural
literature. As a result, students improve their intellectual capacities by learning to actively
interact with and critically assess the materials they read.

a. Akong Bugsay by A. Aboitiz

Introduction

Akong Bugsay by Amaya Cabarrus Aboitiz-Fansler is a Cebuano story that

follows the journey of Andoy and his father, a fisherman, as they navigate both the
sea and life’s challenges. Deeply rooted in Filipino culture, especially the values of
coastal communities, the story imparts timeless lessons on preparation,
perseverance, and resilience. More than just a narrative, it serves as a powerful
metaphor for life’s unpredictability, highlighting the importance of having the right
tools—both physical and mental—to overcome obstacles.

Aboitiz-Fansler, known for her dedication to education and community initiatives,

believes in the power of children’s literature to inspire meaningful conversations and
positive change. Akong Bugsay reflects this commitment, offering both a literary
contribution and a testament to the enduring values of her family.

Body

Characters/Personalities

1. Andoy: A curious and eager young boy who represents the innocence and
determination of youth. His desire to join his father in fishing reflects his yearning to
grow and learn about life.

2. Andoy’s Father: A wise and patient fisherman, he is not only a provider but also
a mentor to Andoy. Through his calm demeanor and thoughtful teachings, he imparts
valuable lessons that extend beyond fishing, preparing Andoy for the storms of life.

Setting

The story unfolds in a simple fishing village and the vast sea leading to Caubian
Island.

The Village: It mirrors the modest way of life in coastal communities, where hard
work and resilience are the cornerstones of daily living.
 The Sea: A central element in the story, the sea symbolizes the unpredictability of
life. Its calmness and tempests reflect the ebbs and flows of human experiences,
making it a fitting backdrop for Andoy’s journey.

Theme

The story explores profound themes, each illustrated through the characters’
experiences:

1. Preparation: Andoy’s mistake of forgetting the paddles highlights the

importance of readiness in both fishing and life.

2. Resilience: The storm serves as a test of their strength and composure.

Andoy’s father’s calmness and the use of a familiar song demonstrate how staying
steady during challenges can lead to success.

3. Lifelong Learning: Andoy’s journey is a testament to the value of patience and

wisdom gained through experience. His father’s teachings extend beyond the
practical, showing Andoy the deeper lessons of perseverance and hope.

Story

Andoy’s father is a fisherman, and Andoy is eager to join him and learn the art of
fishing. Before they set sail, they carefully prepare their tools and equipment.
However, Andoy forgets the most crucial item—the paddles—and has to rush back
home to retrieve them.

As they paddle toward Caubian Island, they sing the familiar tune:

“Bugsay bugsay kilingkiling dyutay, bugsay bugsay sa barotong gamay.”

Their journey takes a dangerous turn when a storm suddenly brews. Large waves
and strong winds threaten to overturn their boat. Amid the chaos, Andoy’s father
sings the same song, helping Andoy remain calm. The storm eventually passes, and
they safely reach their destination.

On the island, Andoy learns the basics of fishing—baiting the hook, casting the
line, and waiting patiently. Despite his excitement, the long wait tests his patience,
and he begins to feel bored. Eventually, his father decides it’s time to move to a
better spot, teaching Andoy the importance of adaptability and persistence.

Summary and Conclusion

Akong Bugsay is more than a story about a fishing trip; it is a powerful metaphor
for life. Through Andoy’s journey, the story teaches readers that preparation,
patience, and resilience are essential to overcoming challenges.

The image of the paddle (bugsay) becomes a symbol of life’s tools—whether they
be values, skills, or wisdom—that guide us through turbulent waters. The father’s
calm and steady presence reminds us of the importance of mentorship and the
strength we draw from those who support us. Ultimately, the story emphasizes that
every storm we face is an opportunity to grow, learn, and emerge stronger.

References

Penado, P. I. B. (n.d.). Akong Bugsay by A. Aboitiz [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved

January 26, 2025, from https://youtu.be/vnqAtD_XHQ0.

Aboitiz, A. Akong Bugsay. Original Cebuano Literature.

b. Stories by L. Gatmaitan and other Palanca awardees

Introduction

Dr. Luis P. Gatmaitan, M.D., a doctor and writer from Talavera, Nueva Ecija, now
residing in Mandaluyong, is known for his works that tackle themes of death, illness,
healing, and children's rights. A graduate of Good Samaritan Colleges and Far
Eastern University, he earned his medical degree in 1991. His notable works,
including Sandosenang Sapatos, Mga Kuwento ni Tito Dok, and Ipinaglini sa
Labanos, highlight resilience, love, and social issues. Sandosenang Sapatos,
inspired by a patient born without legs, won the Palanca Award in 2001, has been
adapted into a musical, and translated into Thai and Bahasa Indonesia.

Body

Stories by L. Gatmaitan

1. Sandosenang Sapatos (A Dozen Pairs of Shoes)

 This heartwarming story centers on a father's unconditional love for his daughter.
Despite her inability to walk, the father, a shoemaker, creates twelve pairs of
beautiful shoes for her, symbolizing his dreams and hopes for her to experience life's
journeys.

2. Aba, May Baby sa Loob ng Tiyan (Oh, There's a Baby Inside the Tummy)

This story introduces young readers to the concept of pregnancy, explaining in

simple terms how a baby grows inside a mother's womb. It aims to educate children
about the beginnings of life in an age-appropriate manner.

3. Si Duglit, Ang Dugong Makulit (Duglit, the Playful Blood Drop)

In this tale, Duglit, a curious blood drop, takes children on an adventure through
the human circulatory system. The story educates young readers about the functions
of blood and the importance of health in an engaging way.

4. Naku, Ang Pulang Mata Ko! (Oh No, My Eyes Are Red!)

This narrative addresses common eye infections among children. Through the
protagonist's experience, readers learn about the causes, symptoms, and preventive
measures for eye redness, emphasizing the importance of hygiene.

5. Mga Kuwento ni Tito Dok 09: Ooopss

Part of the "Mga Kuwento ni Tito Dok" series, this installment discusses the
importance of proper nutrition and the consequences of overeating. It teaches
children about healthy eating habits and self-control.

6. Mga Kuwento ni Tito Dok 06: Kraak

In this story from the same series, the focus is on bone health. It explains how
bones can become fragile and the significance of calcium and exercise in
maintaining strong bones, all through a child-friendly narrative.
7. Ipinaglihi sa Labanos (Conceived with Radish Cravings)

This humorous tale delves into Filipino superstitions about pregnancy cravings
and their believed effects on the unborn child. It provides cultural insights while
entertaining young readers.

8. Ang Ambisyosong Estetoskopyo (The Ambitious Stethoscope)

This story features a stethoscope aspiring to be more than just a medical

instrument. It imparts lessons on ambition, purpose, and the vital role of medical
tools in healthcare.

9. Ang Lola Kong Mahilig Mag-utos (My Grandmother Who Loves to Give
Commands)

A narrative about a grandmother who constantly gives tasks to her grandchild,

teaching lessons on obedience, responsibility, and the wisdom that elders impart to
the younger generation.

10. Ang Pambihirang Buhok ni Raquel (Raquel's Extraordinary Hair)

This story tells of a girl named Raquel who has unusually long hair. It explores
themes of uniqueness, self-acceptance, and the beauty of being different.

11. May Mga Lihim Kami ni Ingkong (Grandpa and I Have Secrets)

A touching story about the special bond between a child and their grandfather,
highlighting the secrets they share and the lessons learned from their relationship.

Sandosenang Sapatos (A Dozen Pairs of Shoes) by Luis P. Gatmaitan

Characters/Personalities

Karina: The elder sister, who is gifted in painting and deeply cares for her
younger sibling.

Susie: The younger sister, who lacks both feet due to a complication during
pregnancy but is highly talented in writing stories.

Their Father: A renowned shoemaker, who dreams of his daughter becoming a

ballet dancer and creates shoes for Susie despite her disability.

Setting

The story is set in a small town, primarily in the family’s home and the workshop
where the father creates his shoes. The setting reflects the simple yet meaningful life
they lead.

Theme

The main themes of the story are love, perseverance, and the fulfillment of
dreams despite challenges. The father's love for his daughters is expressed through
his craftsmanship and thoughtfulness, even in his absence.

Story(buod ni Anthony Mark P. Moring)

Si Karina ay anak ng isang kilalang sapatero sa kanilang bayan. Lahat ng papuri

ay natatanggap ng kanyang ama dahil sa kahusayan nito sa pagdidisenyo ng mga
likha nitong sapatos. Lumaki siyang kapiling ang mga sapatos na likha ng kaniyang
ama. Kahit anong okasyon, may bago siyang sapatos na masusuot.

Nang malaman nilang magkakaroon siya ng kapatid, labis itong ikinatuwa ng

kanyang mga magulang. Lalo na nang malamang babae ito. Pinangarap ng kanyang
ama na ito'y maging ballet dancer. Ngunit ang pangarap na ito'y hindi nagkatotoo
sapagkat nang isilang na ang kanyang nakababatang kapatid, putol ang dalawang
paa nito bunga ng pagkakasakit ng ina nang ipinagbubuntis pa lang siya.
Pinangalanan nila itong Susie. Sa tuwing igagawa si Karina ng sapatos ng kanyang
tatay, napapatingin na lamang siya sa bunsong kapatid at napapabuntung-hininga.

Lumaki si Karina at Susie na malapit ang loob sa isa't isa. Hindi naging hadlang
ang kawalan ng paa upang makapaglaro sila.Si Karina ang naging kaagapay niya sa
pagtulak ng kanyang wheelchair at higit sa lahat, ang tagapagtanggol kapag may
nang-aapi sa kaniya.

Natuklasan din nilang marami silang pagkakatulad. Pareho silang magagaling sa

kamay. Si Karina ay magaling sa pagpinta, habang si Susie naman ay sa pagsulat
ng mga kuwento. Namana nila ang kanilang galing sa kanilang ama.

Minsan, naikuwento ni Susie na napanaginipan niyang may suot siyang sapatos.

Inilarawan pa niya ang mga disenyo nito. Sa tuwing nalalapit ang kaarawan ni Susie,
palagi niyang napapanaginipan ang tungkol sa sapatos.

Dumating ang kaarawan ng kanyang ama at naisipan ni Karina na regaluhan ito

ng painting ng isang pares ng maugat na kamay na lumilikha ng sapatos. Binigyan
naman siya ni Susie ng isang music box. Nang 12 taong gulang na si Susie, sa
kasawiang palad, ay namatay ang kanilang ama.Isang araw, pumasok si Karina sa
bodega upang maghanap ng mga sapatos na maibibigay sa bahay-ampunan.
Napansin niya ang ilang mga kahon na maingat na nakasalansan. Nang binuksan
niya ang mga ito, nakita niya ang isang dosenang pares ng sapatos na may iba't
ibang laki at ginawa para sa iba't ibang okasyon. Laking gulat niya nang mabasa ang
mga liham-pagbati na isinulat ng kanilang ama para sa pinakamamahal na anak
nitong si Susie.

Nang ipinakita niya ang mga ito sa kanyang kapatid, sinabi ni Susie na ito ang
mga sapatos na napapanaginipan niya tuwing kaarawan niya. Naisip niya na tinawid
ng kaniyang ama ang mga panaginip ni Susie upang maipasuot sa kanya ang mga
sapatos.

Naikintal sa isipan ni Karina na hindi perpekto ang buhay, gaya ng hindi

perpektong pagkaliha sa kanyang kapatid. Gayunpaman, may mga perpektong
sandali. Katulad ng sandaling nilikha ng kanilang ama ang pinakamagarang sapatos
para sa kanyang pinakamamahal na anak, si Susie.

Summary and Conclusion

In summary, "Sandosenang Sapatos" explores the deep bond between siblings

and a father's love that transcends physical challenges. The story ends on a
poignant note, showing that while life may not always be perfect, there are moments
of beauty and love that make life meaningful. Karina’s realization about the shoes
her father had made for Susie reflects the enduring love and sacrifices of a parent for
their children. The story teaches the importance of family support, the acceptance of
imperfections, and the beauty in unexpected gifts.

References

Gatmaitan, L. P. (n.d.). Sandosenang Sapatos.

Moring, A. M. P. (n.d.). Buod ng Sandosenang Sapatos.

YouTube. (2024). Sandosenang Sapatos [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/PH-

svUgFiuY?si=59g0QTRIPGVFNr8K

Other palanca awardees

AWARD AUTHOR

2010 walang nagwagi 1st Prize

Toxic 2nd Prize Rodriguez Rommel B.

Sa kabilang lupalop ng 3rd Prize Charez , Thomas David F.

mahiwagang kaharian

2011 walang nagwagi 1st Prize

walang nagwagi 2nd Prize

 Metro Gwapo 3rd Prize Bernaldez Michael S.

2012 Banaag 1st Prize Lim Mark Benedict F.

Ang tawo sa puso ni

Teresa 2nd Prize De Dios,honorio Bartolome

Darleng 3rd Prize Dela Cruz ,Mar Anthony

Simon

2013 Bayanggudaw 1st Prize Quindoza ,Santiago,Lilia

Pamamanhikan 2nd Prize Neri,Bernadette Villanueva

Ad astra per Aspera 3rd Prize Cordero,Kristian S.

2014 Ang bugtong ng Manok. 1st Prize Yapan ,Alvin B.

at Agila

Grace 2nd Prize Cruz ,Peter Jairron Calabia

Nando 3rd Prize Barrameda Emmanuel T.

2015 Ang Reyna ng Espada at 1st Prize Pacala ,John Carlo L.

mga Pusa

Mag-ambahan tayo 2nd Prize Santiago ,Lilia Q.

Johnson at Putol 3rd Prize Legaspi,Andrian M.

2016 Ang daga 1st Prize Oliveros,Orlando A.

Bangkera 2nd Prize Barrameda Emmanuel T.

 Cutter 3rd Prize Tiausas,Paolo Miguel G.

2017 Sa pagitan ng sabaw ng 1st Prize Legaspi,Andrian M.

Chaolong at hilab ng tiyan

Patintero 2nd Prize Dula,Valentine

Troll 3rd Prize De Guzman Nicko M.

2018 Gina 1st Prize Eugene C. Soyosa

Ang kanosisasyon ng mga 2nd Prize Andrew A. Estacio

Santa Santino

Tatlong Proposisyon 3rd Prize Luna Sical Cleto

ng puting hangin

2019 Si etot 1st Prize Eros S. Atalia

Dahil wala kaming 2nd Prize Benjamin Joshua L.

tubig Guitierrez

Hilaw at Luto sa Bangkete 3rd Prize Allan Alberto N. Derain

ni Kapitan Gino

2022 Ang value ng X kapag choppy 1st Prize Charmaine M. Lasar

si mam

Barangay Alitaptap 2nd Prize Abegail E. Pariente

Kung sa pagtawag ay 3rd Prize Alec Joshua B. Paradeza

pagtawid sa Gubat
2023 Ang tariktik 1stPrize Peter Solis

Buwaya 2nd Prize Jay Jomar F. Quintos

Boses Pusa 3rdPrize Ella Jane C. Hermonio

2024 Gagambang Bahay 1st Prize Mark Anthony Angeles

Siya si Ril 2nd Prize Hannah A. Lecera

Ang Lungga 3rd Prize Aljane C. Baterra

Sa Kabilang Lupalop ng Mahiwagang Kaharian

by Thomas David F. Chavez

Introduction

Sa Kabilang Lupalop ng Mahiwagang Kaharian is a short story by Thomas David

F. Chavez, a professor at the University of the Philippines. Published in 2010, it won
3rd Prize in the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Short Story that same year.
Chavez, known for his works that highlight social issues, uses this story to explore
the struggles of Overseas Contract Workers (OCWs) who leave their homeland in
search of a better future. The narrative sheds light on the harsh realities many
migrant workers face—exploitation, abuse, and emotional trauma. Through the
character of Perlita, the story provides a powerful glimpse into the suffering and
psychological toll that some OCWs endure while working abroad.

Body

Characters

Perlita – A Filipino OCW who suffered abuse and imprisonment in Saudi Arabia.
She experiences deep emotional and psychological distress as she tries to return
home.

Perlita’s Two Friends – Her companions who try to reassure her that everything is
fine and attempt to calm her down.

Passengers and Airline Crew – Witnesses to Perlita’s breakdown, reacting with

discomfort and unease rather than understanding.

Setting

The story takes place at Jeddah Airport, where numerous Overseas Filipino
Workers (OFWs) are waiting for their flight back home after completing their
contracts. The setting reflects a place of anticipation and relief for many, but for
Perlita, it becomes a stage for her emotional breakdown.

Theme

Sacrifices and Suffering of OFWs – The story highlights the harsh experiences of
Filipino workers abroad, who often endure hardships to provide for their families.

Psychological and Emotional Trauma – Perlita’s experience shows how extreme

suffering can lead to deep mental distress and breakdown.

Lack of Empathy from Fellow Filipinos – Instead of understanding Perlita’s pain,

her friends and the other passengers choose to silence her, showing how society
often dismisses uncomfortable truths.
Story

Sa pag-uwi mula sa Spain isang Pasko sa Jeddah Airport, isang kalunos-lunos

na pangyayari ang nasaksihan ng tagapagsalaysay. Karamihan sa mga pasahero ay
mga OCW na natapos na ang kanilang dalawang taong kontrata at sabik nang
makapiling muli ang kanilang pamilya. Sa pila ng mga pasahero, pumasok ang
tatlong magkakaibigan—isa sa kanila ay si Perlita, na halatang balisa at takot.

Nag-aalangan si Perlita na umuwi, ngunit pilit siyang pinapayapa ng kanyang

mga kaibigan, sinasabing wala siyang dapat ipag-alala. Habang sila ay naghihintay,
biglang umalingawngaw ang tinig ni Perlita sa buong paliparan, nagsimula siyang
magsalita nang magulo at may matinding emosyon. Sa kanyang pagbuhos ng
kwento, nalaman ng mga tao na siya ay nakulong sa Saudi Arabia.

Sa loob ng eroplano, mas lalo siyang naging emosyonal, hindi na niya mapigilang
ilahad ang totoong dahilan ng kanyang pagkakakulong. Ang kanyang malakas at
walang habas na pag-iyak at pagsasalita ay nagdulot ng pagkagulat at hindi
komportableng katahimikan sa iba pang pasahero. Sa huli, dahil hindi na nila kayang
tiisin ang kanyang sinasabi, nagdesisyon ang kanyang mga kaibigan at ang airline
crew na pakalmahin siya gamit ang gamot upang manahimik siya sa buong biyahe.

Summary and Conclusion

The short story Sa Kabilang Lupalop ng Mahiwagang Kaharian provides a

powerful and heartbreaking portrayal of the struggles faced by many Filipino migrant
workers. It sheds light on the abuse and injustices some OCWs experience abroad
and how these traumatic events can leave deep emotional scars.

Perlita's character represents the countless Filipinos who go abroad in search of

better opportunities but end up suffering instead. The story also highlights the sad
reality that many people would rather silence those who have suffered rather than
listen and offer support. Instead of finding comfort and understanding from her fellow
Filipinos, Perlita was forcibly silenced, reflecting society’s tendency to ignore
inconvenient truths.
 This story serves as a reminder that not all OFWs return home as success stories
—some come back broken and lost. It calls for greater awareness, empathy, and
support for the struggles of Filipino migrant workers.

References

Chavez, T. D. F. (2010). Sa Kabilang Lupalop ng Mahiwagang Kaharian. Retrieved

from https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/new-era-university/pagbasa-at-
pagsulat/sa-kabilang-lupalop-ng-mahiwagang-kaharian/313547

Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards. (2010). 2010 Winners. Retrieved from

http://www.palancaawards.com.ph/

Chavez, Thomas David F. (2010). Sa Kabilang Lupalop ng Mahiwagang Kaharian.

Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards, 2010 Winners.

c. Hidden Figures by L.. Shetterly

Introduction

Margot Lee Shetterly is an American nonfiction writer known for her

groundbreaking work in uncovering hidden stories of Black women in science and
technology. Her debut book, Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold
Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race (2016), sheds light on
the remarkable contributions of African-American women mathematicians at NASA
during the mid-20th century.

Despite facing racial and gender discrimination, pioneers like Dorothy Vaughan,
Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson played crucial roles in the success of the
Mercury and Apollo space programs. Shetterly’s work not only brought their
achievements into the spotlight but also inspired a feature film adaptation, Hidden
Figures (2016). Beyond writing, she has worked in investment banking, media
startups, and publishing, including co-founding Inside Mexico, a magazine for
English-speaking readers. Through her storytelling, Shetterly continues to highlight
the often-overlooked impact of Black women in STEM and American history.

Body

Characters and Personalities

Dorothy Vaughan was a brilliant mathematician and a natural leader. Known for
her organizational skills, she became the head of the West Area Computing Unit, a
group of Black women who calculated aeronautical data by hand. She was
determined to ensure that her team had the opportunity to succeed and helped them
transition into more technical roles as computers began to replace human workers.

Mary Jackson was known for her strong-willed personality and hands-on
approach. She loved engineering and worked tirelessly to earn an engineering
degree, defying the barriers of racial segregation to attend an all-white high school.
Her contributions included wind tunnel research and her eventual role as an
engineer at NASA.

Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician, was less concerned with the racial
segregation around her than her colleagues. She focused on the accuracy of her
calculations and worked alongside engineers. Her work was so exceptional that
astronaut John Glenn personally requested her to verify the calculations for his
historic spaceflight.

Setting:

Hidden Figures is set in the 1940s to 1960s, during World War II, the Space
Race, and the Civil Rights Movement. The primary location is the Langley Memorial
Aeronautical Laboratory in Hampton, Virginia, where the women worked as "human
computers" for NASA’s early space programs. The surrounding communities of
Hampton and Newport News were racially segregated, reflecting the broader societal
challenges the women faced. This setting emphasizes the obstacles of race and
gender inequality, while also showcasing the women’s contributions to space
exploration.

Themes

1. The Power of Community

The women’s strong ties to their families, churches, sororities, and colleagues
provide support and encouragement, enabling them to thrive in challenging
environments.

2. Discrimination

The story highlights the racism and sexism the women faced and how these
systemic barriers limited opportunities, holding back progress for both individuals
and the nation.

3. Persistence and Opportunity

Hard work, talent, and preparation allowed the women to seize unexpected
opportunities, demonstrating the balance between persistence and luck in achieving
success.

Story
 Hidden Figures tells the story of Black women who worked at Langley
Aeronautical Laboratory in Hampton, Virginia, starting in the early 1940s. These
women played an integral role in the development of American aviation and space
technology. They persevered in the face of discrimination based on both their race
and gender. The first women were hired to work in an all-Black unit as human
"computers," performing calculations under the direction of engineers. Over the
years, as Langley desegregated, the women joined engineering teams and worked
alongside white men. In the 1960s, they contributed to the Mercury and Apollo space
programs, helping to put a man into orbit and then to land men on the Moon.

The book focuses on three women. Dorothy Vaughan was hired at Langley in
1943 for the all-Black West Area Computing unit. She was a determined person and
a gifted organizer. Dorothy became a shift supervisor and eventually the head of the
unit. Part of her job was to identify which of her women were best suited for specific
assignments. Eventually, the West Area unit was disbanded, much like the all-white
East Area unit before it. This was partly because women computers were
increasingly integrated into various engineering teams, and partly because electronic
computers were taking over the job of human ones.

Mary Jackson started working under Dorothy in 1951. She had a strong
personality and was willing to speak her mind when necessary. Mary enjoyed hands-
on work and eagerly accepted an offer to join a team doing wind tunnel research.
Eventually, following her supervisor's advice, she earned an engineering degree. For
this, she required special permission from the City of Hampton to attend classes at
an all-white high school.

Katherine Johnson joined the West Area unit in 1953. Personally, she was less
bothered by the laws and social rules of the time than the other women. Katherine,
being light-skinned, had a practical advantage in the racist society. But she also had
an unusual ability to mentally block out the reality of racism, treating the white male
engineers as equals. The engineers quickly recognized her exceptional talent and
asked her to join the Flight Research team. Katherine became a trusted data analyst
and researcher. Before John Glenn flew into space, he specifically requested that
she review the output of the electronic computers to confirm the accuracy of their
work.

As American society made progress toward racial equality, Mary and Katherine
both encouraged Black schoolchildren interested in science careers and supported
newly hired Black men and women at Langley. One of these was Christine Mann,
who befriended Katherine's daughter when they attended Hampton Institute, an all-
Black college near Langley. By 1969, the year of the Moon landing, America was still
far from overcoming racial prejudice and inequality. However, a younger generation
like Christine’s was rising through the ranks at NASA, following in the footsteps of
pioneers like Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Johnson.

Hidden Figures recounts the true story of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and
Katherine Johnson. These three Black women are the protagonists in their own life
stories, set against the backdrop of the Space Race and the Civil Rights Movement.
The racism and sexism they encountered at Langley and in their personal lives form
the central conflict of the story. The inciting incident that sets their tale in motion is
when Dorothy Vaughan accepts a job offer to work as a human computer at Langley
Memorial Aeronautical Laboratory in Hampton, Virginia.

Throughout the book, Shetterly shares stories from the women's formative years,
highlighting the racism and sexism they endured. Segregation affected the trajectory
of the protagonists' education and created obstacles to their professional success.
All three women displayed exceptional intellectual prowess from a young age, but
Katherine was the only one who went on to graduate school, and she had to leave
when she became pregnant. Shetterly uses these flashbacks to establish a pattern,
demonstrating that the women overcame obstacles since childhood and were
prepared to continue doing so as adults.

The acts of racism and racial tension at Langley and in the surrounding towns are
a microcosm of the experiences of Black people throughout America. Shetterly
provides historical context throughout the book, detailing the changes in hiring
practices that presented opportunities for Black people after World War II, how the
government's enforcement of segregation and other racist policies often prevented
Black people from fully benefiting from these opportunities, and how these policies
continued to adversely affect society even after segregation ended. This broad
picture of America underscores the environment in which these women lived and
worked.

Hidden Figures is a story of perseverance and triumph over adversity. The

obstacles the women faced early in their lives, such as inadequate access to an
education that would challenge their exceptional intellects and provide them with the
tools for highly skilled work, are clear. The obstacles they encountered at Langley—
such as disrespect from colleagues and lack of access to the information they
needed to do their jobs properly—only became apparent as the women encountered
them. Because the women were accustomed to having to be twice as good to get
half as far as their white counterparts, they were better prepared for the professional
challenges they faced later on when changes in technology and demand required
them to pivot to stay relevant at Langley.

The lives and careers of all three protagonists follow a constant upward trajectory,
and so does the arc of the story. Rather than following a "two steps forward, two
steps back" pattern, the obstacles in their way create a "two steps forward, stall"
rhythm to the narrative. This rising, stop-and-start action creates tension, particularly
up to the book's initial climax: Katherine’s race against time checking the calculations
of the electronic computers and John Glenn's successful flight. The tension and
subsequent jubilation mirror the stress of the Space Race and set the stage for the
final climax of the Moon landing.

The momentum of the Civil Rights Movement rises along the way to Martin Luther
King Jr.'s “I Have a Dream” speech, a climax of the movement that Shetterly
highlights before noting the milestone in Dorothy’s career. This draws a connection
between Dorothy’s success and the work of those who came before her. Dorothy’s
career and the action of the story plateau at this point, as more than three years
pass between the speech and the tragic deaths of three astronauts. However,
Katherine’s story, as the youngest of the three women, is far from over. The
descriptions of her perseverance and of Christine Darden’s successful completion of
graduate school before joining Langley suggest that the momentum Dorothy and her
forebears created will continue long into the future.

While the 1969 Moon landing is the main climax of the Space Race, it is not the
book’s main climax or the climax of the protagonists' lives. The final chapter serves
as the denouement, where Shetterly juxtaposes the national euphoria surrounding
the Moon landing with the discontent among Black Americans who continued facing
injustices despite years of fighting for equal rights. The Space Race, which began in
1957 with the launch of Sputnik and ended in 1969 with the American Moon landing,
had a clear beginning, a definitive end, and an indisputable victor. The Civil Rights
Movement spanned roughly the same timeframe, but its beginning, end, and winners
are not as clear-cut.

The final chapter underscores that there is still a long way to go before all
Americans can enjoy equality under the law and in the public imagination. However,
Katherine’s full-circle moment at the end inspires hope that these achievements are
possible.

Conclusion

Hidden Figures is not only a tribute to the three women who defied the odds but
also a reflection on the systemic challenges Black people and women faced during
the 20th century. Their stories of overcoming adversity to contribute to a national
effort like the space race are a testament to human determination and resilience.
Through their struggles, these women laid the groundwork for future generations of
scientists, engineers, and mathematicians, demonstrating that with the right
opportunities and mindset, one can achieve greatness against all odds. The story
serves as an inspiration for anyone facing challenges in pursuit of their dreams.

References

Shetterly, M. L. (2016). Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story
of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race. William
Morrow.

Shetterly, M. L. (2016). Hidden Figures Young Readers' Edition. HarperCollins.

NASA. (2017). Katherine Johnson Biography. Retrieved from

https://www.nasa.gov/katherine-johnson
Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. (2016). Hidden Figures and the True
Story of Four Black Women Who Helped Launch Our Nation Into Space. Retrieved
from https://airandspace.si.edu

SparkNotes Editors. (n.d.). Hidden Figures Summary. Retrieved January 26, 2025,
from https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/hidden-figures/summary/