Skip to Main Content (Press Enter)
The Brilliant Calculator by Jan Lower
Add The Brilliant Calculator to bookshelf
Add to Bookshelf

Look Inside

The Brilliant Calculator

How Mathematician Edith Clarke Helped Electrify America

How Mathematician Edith Clarke Helped Electrify America

By Jan Lower
Illustrated by Susan Reagan

By Jan Lower
Illustrated by Susan Reagan

By Jan Lower
Illustrated by Susan Reagan

By Jan Lower
Illustrated by Susan Reagan

Best Seller
Hardcover $18.99

Mar 14, 2023 | ISBN 9781662680069 | 7-10 years

Ebook $11.99

Mar 14, 2023 | ISBN 9781662680076 | 7-10 years

All Formats
+
    The Brilliant Calculator by Jan Lower
    Hardcover $18.99
    Mar 14, 2023 | ISBN 9781662680069

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    See All Formats (1) +

    Hardcover
    –

    • Hardcover $18.99

      Mar 14, 2023 | ISBN 9781662680069 | 7-10 years

      Buy from Other Retailers:

    Ebook
    +

    • Ebook

      Mar 14, 2023 | ISBN 9781662680076 | 7-10 years

      Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy the Ebook:

    About The Brilliant Calculator

    Hidden Figures meets Rosie Revere, Engineer in this STEM/STEAM picture book about Edith Clarke, the innovator who solved an electrical mystery and built the first graphing calculator—from paper!

    Long before calculators were invented, little Edith Clarke devoured numbers, conquered calculations, cracked puzzles, and breezed through brainteasers. Edith wanted to be an engineer—to use the numbers she saw all around her to help build America.

    When she grew up, no one would hire a woman engineer. But that didn’t stop Edith from following her passion and putting her lightning-quick mind to the problem of electricity. But the calculations took so long! Always curious, Edith couldn’t help thinking of better ways to do things. She constructed a “calculator” from paper that was ten times faster than doing all that math by hand! Her invention won her a job, making her the first woman electrical engineer in America. And because Edith shared her knowledge with others, her calculator helped electrify America, bringing telephones and light across the nation.

    About The Brilliant Calculator

    Hidden Figures meets Rosie Revere, Engineer in this STEM/STEAM picture book about Edith Clarke, the innovator who solved an electrical mystery and built the first graphing calculator—from paper!

    Long before calculators were invented, little Edith Clarke devoured numbers, conquered calculations, cracked puzzles, and breezed through brainteasers. Edith wanted to be an engineer—to use the numbers she saw all around her to help build America.

    When she grew up, no one would hire a woman engineer. But that didn’t stop Edith from following her passion and putting her lightning-quick mind to the problem of electricity. But the calculations took so long! Always curious, Edith couldn’t help thinking of better ways to do things. She constructed a “calculator” from paper that was ten times faster than doing all that math by hand! Her invention won her a job, making her the first woman electrical engineer in America. And because Edith shared her knowledge with others, her calculator helped electrify America, bringing telephones and light across the nation.

    About Susan Reagan

    Susan Reagan earned her degree from the Columbus College of Art and Design. With previous experience in greeting cards, surface designs, and picture books, Susan’s titles include YOU AND ME and LIGHTS OUT! She lives in Cleveland, Ohio. Visit susanreaganart.com

    About Susan Reagan

    Susan Reagan earned her degree from the Columbus College of Art and Design. With previous experience in greeting cards, surface designs, and picture books, Susan’s titles include YOU AND ME and LIGHTS OUT! She lives in Cleveland, Ohio. Visit susanreaganart.com

    Product Details

    Category: Children’s Middle Grade Books | Children’s Picture Books

    Hardcover | $18.99
    Published by Calkins Creek
    Mar 14, 2023 | 40 Pages | 8-1/2 x 11 | 7-10 years | ISBN 9781662680069

    Category: Children’s Middle Grade Books

    Ebook | $11.99
    Published by Calkins Creek
    Mar 14, 2023 | 40 Pages | 8-1/2 x 11 | 7-10 years | ISBN 9781662680076
    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

    Praise

    “The full-color images catch the eye and playfully include mathematical puzzles. Edith’s quotes are interspersed throughout, highlighting her love of math and her determination to succeed in a traditionally male field. This one will inspire and validate any readers who love mathematics and calculations, especially anyone who has felt marginalized within STEM fields…Rousing encouragement for readers—especially math-minded ones—to follow their dreams.” —Kirkus Reviews

    “(T)he text tells Clarke’s story in terms that are accessible to children and offers more information in the extensive back matter. The attractive illustrations, drawn digitally and brightened with watercolors, do a particularly good job of portraying Clarke as she gradually grows from childhood to maturity. An intriguing introduction to a trailblazing woman in the field of electrical engineering.”—Booklist

    Looking for More Great Reads?
    21 Books You’ve Been Meaning to Read
    Get the latest updates about Jan Lower
    And go from well-read to best read with book recs, deals and more in your inbox every week.
    And go from well-read to best read with book recs, deals and more in your inbox every week.
    By clicking SIGN UP, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and understand that Penguin Random House collects certain categories of personal information for the purposes listed in that policy, discloses, sells, or shares certain personal information and retains personal information in accordance with the policy. You can opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information anytime.
    Dismiss
    Thanks!
    Something awesome is on its way.
    Back to Top

    Visit other sites in the Penguin Random House Network

    Raise kids who love to read

    Raise kids who love to read

    Today's Top Books

    Want to know what people are actually reading right now?

     An online magazine for today’s home cook

    An online magazine for today’s home cook