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

by Traci Sorell, Natasha Donovan (Illustrations)

Mary Golda Ross designed classified airplanes and spacecraft as Lockheed Aircraft Corporation's first female engineer. Find out how her passion for math and the Cherokee values she was raised with shaped her life and work.

Cherokee author Traci Sorell and Métis illustrator Natasha Donovan trace Ross's journey from being the only girl in a high school math class to becoming a teacher to pursuing an engineering degree, joining the top-secret Skunk Works division of Lockheed, and being a mentor for Native Americans and young women interested in engineering. In addition, the narrative highlights Cherokee values including education, working cooperatively, remaining humble, and helping ensure equal opportunity and education for all.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Science, Childrens, History, Indigenous

32 pages, Hardcover

First published March 2, 2021

About the author

Best-selling author and Cherokee Nation citizen Traci Sorell writes inclusive, award-winning fiction and nonfiction in a variety of formats for young people. In 2023, she shares Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series, a Kirkus Reviews starred nonfiction picture book biography illustrated by Arigon Starr, and Mascot, a middle grade fiction novel-in-verse co-authored with Charles Waters. Traci is a two-time Sibert Medal and Orbis Pictus honoree for her nonfiction work. Her first five books have received awards from the American Indian Library Association. Learn more at www.tracisorell.com.

Reviews

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing woman I had to learn about from a book for children - so many women that have contributed so much to society that we just 'skip' over in school. This book might be of particular interest to young girls interested in STEM. Sad to say that studies still show that young girls are not encouraged in STEM the same way young boys are - we have to change that!

[Dennis · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief illustrated biography of Mary Golda Ross, who was the first known Native American female engineer and in 1950 became the first female engineer in the history of Lockheed.

The book shows the Cherokee values with which Mary was brought up and how she stayed true to them throughout her amazing career. At Lockheed she not only worked on aircraft but later was also selected as one of forty engineers for the Skunk Works division.

It meant Mary worked on projects that people had only imagined and some no one had ever thought of before. No vessel had ever flown nonstop around Earth—with or without a pilot. Flying beyond Earth? That seemed impossible.

Lots of what Mary and her fellow engineers did there is still classified, but it is known that she helped put men into space and on the moon. She's one of those hidden figures that are not talked about enough.

Therefore, this book is very much appreciated. Unfortunately, though, it stays too much on the surface and reads like a simple listing of Mary Golda Ross' achievements rather than something that can and will inspire children to reach for the stars. It is an inspiring story and I like how it always comes back to the Cherokee values that it stated at the beginning. But that's the problem really, it states things rather than infuse them with something more. Something that will draw children in.

Alas.

2.5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Millbrook Press for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. This was a difficult one to rate. I typically enjoy picture books like this because they highlight stories about individuals that often go unnoticed. For example, I had no idea that Mary Golda Ross was an aerospace engineer that would go on to work on a number of secret projects. It's often rewarding to see books that highlight women in STEM especially those that made such great leaps and bounds during the first half of the 20th century. I also enjoyed that Sorell made the decision to showcase how Cherokee values closely determined how Mary Ross would not only overcome adversity, but would also mentor other young Cherokee women to assist them in overcoming adversity. Unfortunately, this text was extremely cut and dry and read more like a fact book. It doesn't allow young readers the opportunity to get to know Mary Ross outside of the facts listed about her. As a result, the reader is never fully drawn into the story. What could have been a great opportunity to explore more about Mary Ross as a person turns into a fact book. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the artwork and thought it to be a great addition to the story. The colors were crisp and had a certain animated feel that I typically enjoy.

[Dave Schaafsma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was recommended to read this book, which I like for letting me know about a Cherokee woman in the first half of the twentieth century, facing severe racism and sexism, who worked for Lockheed designing (classified) planes and astronomical systems, to make a major contribution to the development of the field of astrophysics. The art is not great, the story is pretty wooden, but making the information available to younger people is great. I just happen to have a nephew in high school who is planning on majoring in astrophysics, so I put it in his hands. “Very interesting,” the math whiz says to me. That’s what I thought, too.

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This illustrated short biography is exceptional celebrating the genius of the only girl who loved mathematics when girls weren't expected to even like the subject, Mary Golda Ross who made groundbreaking inventions and development in her field as well as in the education world.

Also, this book is a celebration of the award winning artist, Natasha Donovan. The artwork is amazing!

I love how the whole story has been presented in just a few pages. But it's so worth it.

Truly inspirational.

Thank you, authors and the publisher for the advance reading copy.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with the reviewers who feel that this book doesn't really draw the reader deeply into the story. I didn't feel that I really got to know Mary Golda Ross's personality. That said, I appreciate her story and am glad it's being told. I really enjoyed the way Sorell weaves traditional Cherokee values into the story, showing how Mary Golda Ross reflected them in her life. It was also really refreshing to see a book about a woman entering a traditionally male field that doesn't over-inflate her contributions for the sake of making her stand out, nor frame all males as misogynistic idiots. "[Mary] modeled the Cherokee value of working together in mind and heart. She shared her knowledge and asked questions to improve designs. Her male colleagues respected her intellect, her drive to solve problems, and how she worked in team." "[Mary's] life reflected another Cherokee value--humility. Mary never bragged or drew attention to her skills. Her work, including helping to put a man on the moon, spoke for itself. Whenever Mary received awards, she always thanked her colleagues because she knew no one person deserved credit for what everyone had done together."

The illustrations, while not my personal favorite style, are engaging and full of details that help tell the story. My oldest enjoyed the various sketches of the spacecraft, especially.

The excellent back matter includes a Timeline of Mary's life, including two photos, an Author's Note, Four Cherokee Values, Source Notes, and Bibliography.

While the storytelling was about three stars for me, the overall package is definitely four stars in my book.

Like Mary Golda Ross, the author is a Cherokee Nation citizen. Illustrator is Métis. Great to see books like this being published. Highly recommend.

[DivaDiane SM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the most exciting of books, to be sure, but an interesting account of Mary Golda Ross' achievements and influence in the world of Aerospace. She is one of those unsung, behind the scenes types of women who were very influential, but remained hidden, partially because of her Cherokee values, which are brought to the forefront in this book.

[Rafia Rahman · Rating 3 out of 5]

বিংশ শতাব্দীর শুরুর দিকে ম্যারি গোলদা রোজের শিক্ষা জীবন শুরু হয়। গণিত তাঁর প্রিয় বিষয়। ক্লাসরুমে সেই একমাত্র মেয়ে। ক্লাসের ছেলেরাও কেমন জানি এড়িয়ে চলে। কিন্তু ম্যারির একের পর এক একাডেমিক সাফল্য সবাইকে বিস্মিত করে। কর্মজীবন শুরু করার পর মনে হয় পুরুষদের জগতে প্রবেশ করেছে কারণ এই ফিল্ডে নারীদের তেমন দেখায় যায় না। কিন্তু থেমে যাওয়ার মতো ম্যারি তো না...

৩২ পৃষ্ঠার রঙিন গ্রাফিক্স নভেলে ম্যারি গোলদা রোজের বায়োগ্রাফি। বিংশ শতাব্দীর শুরুতে যেসব ব্যক্তিরা আমেরিকার বিজ্ঞান ও মহাকাশ নিয়ে দারুণ সব কাজ দেখিয়েছেন তাদের মধ্যে ম্যারিও একজন। যেসময় নারীদের খুব একটা লেখাপড়া ও বাইরে কাজ করতে দেখা যেতো না সেই সময়ে নিজের মেধা ও সৃজনশীল কাজ দিয়ে বিজ্ঞান জগতকে চমকে দেন। ম্যারির ডেডিকেশন বহু নারীকে অনুপ্রাণিত করে বিজ্ঞান জগৎ জয় করতে। ব্যক্তিগতভাবে বায়োগ্রাফি খুবই ছোট আমার ভালো লাগে না। কারো পুরা একটা জীবন কয়েক পৃষ্ঠার লেখায় শেষ?! বইটা আরও কিছুটা বড় হলে ভালো হতো। তবে বইয়ের সবচেয়ে পছন্দের অংশ হলো ম্যারির দলীয় কাজগুলো। দলীয় কাজে তাঁর যতই অবদান থাকুক না কেন কখনোই ক্রেডিট নিতে চাননি। সবাইকে নিয়ে এগিয়ে যাওয়ার মনোভাবটা সুন্দর।

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

An inspirational person -- as outlined pretty fully in the title -- is given a dry and wooden picture book biography. Tying the narrative structure to demonstrating a list of Cherokee values gives it a preachy, moral tone. It's great to see a Cherokee woman honored for her accomplishments, but I don't see this getting kids excited about math or engineering.

[Kirsti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about a groundbreaking woman and about traditional Cherokee values. I would have liked to have learned more about Mary Golda Ross as a person. The audiobook has "inspirational" type music playing under the whole thing, which is tedious.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This picture book biography of Mary Golda Ross is absolutely amazing. I love learning about women who did great things, and it is especially good to hear about women in STEM who managed to get as far as they did, despite being born when most women were not encouraged to pursue a career at all.

I was very impressed that the author, who is also Cherokee, brought up the four values to explain why Mary did the things she did.

1 Gaining skills in all areas of life.
2. Working cooperatively with others
3. Remaining humble when others recognize your talents
4. Helping ensure equal education and opportunity for all.

Because she followed these values, she also made it a point to life up others so they too could follow in her footsteps. Because she followed these teachings she gained the math skills that she did, and was able to work with others.

Mary Gold Ross was an amzasing woman, and I'm glad that this informative book is in picture book form so that young women can learn from her.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting, illustrated biography of an amazing Cherokee mathematician Mary Golda Ross– the first woman engineer hired by Lockheed, who helped fix design flaws n a fighter plane for World War II, and helped with the race to put an astronaut on the moon.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given the stereotypes that still exist concerning girls and women and math, it astonishes me that Mary Golda Ross was able to take challenging math courses in high school in the 1920s and even dreamed of a career that would allow her to use her math and critical thinking skills. This biography introduces readers to yet another groundbreaking individual whose contributions to the field have been lost to history. The great-great granddaughter of Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, Mary lived her life according to the Cherokee values instilled in her by her family and the examples around her. Not only did she become a teacher, but she eventually was hired by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation where she solved tough mathematical problems and worked as an engineer, the first female to hold that job. Not only is it clear just how unusual she was for her times, but the author also makes sure to point out how she paved the way for other women and supported their efforts, attributing her behavior in this and other matters to her upbringing and awareness of her people's values. In today's media savvy, selfie-posting world, it's refreshing to read about someone who didn't seek the limelight or fame; instead, as the text states, "In her quiet, steadfast way, Mary kept right on blazing a trail for others to follow for the rest of her life" (unpaged). Created with pencil, ink, and Procreate, the illustrations show those attributes, including her humbleness and her steadiness over her lifetime. While I might have wished to have more of her words included in the text, I finished the book and marveled at her courage and determination and wondering at how lonely it must have been for her at Lockheed during those early years. This book will surely be a worthy addition to a classroom collection about groundbreakers and women in STEM.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the story in this biography would have been quite interesting enough without one of the many aspects that made its subject so notable. A young lady, born before WWI, mastering STEM subjects, and growing to teach them when her classmates had been racing to be the first to not sit alongside her in ignominy at her very presence. A female scientist of note that was the only one of her gender to feature among the 40 boffins at Skunk Works, where they used satellite and rocket science to do – well, it's still classified. Oh, and all that while being a Native American, and needing to press on everyone that just because she was the first she was dang well not going to be the last.

Yes, this book needn't have been so specific about the Cherokee aspects of the subject – it was doing perfectly well in filling in a gap in everyone's knowledge of science history, and getting just one more of the Hidden Figures out into the spotlight. Still, it doesn't really over-labour the ethnicity of our lead, and it will definitely do what she herself would wish, and empower First Nations girls to aspire to her heights. The design can't quite settle between nicely straightforward narrative illustration and the more technical aspects of things, so it doesn't appear quite as pleasantly coherent as it might have, but this is a definite possibility for many a school library.

[Jessica Haider · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Aldara · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Mimi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short biography of Mary Golda Ross, tailored for children, with very nice artwork.
Mary G. Ross was an amazing, inspiring woman, paving the way for so many (but still not enough) women in engineering and math-related jobs.

I received a copy for review through Netgalley, this did not influence my opinion.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was interesting and I loved the strong connection to tribal values. However, I didn’t feel I knew Ms. Ross as a person. Did she have siblings? A partner? Children? Math clearly came easily to her. I liked the fact that she kept returning to school as needed for the career she wanted. I wish that had been emphasized, that school was a life long part of her, not something to get through and on to your real life. She had a long life and many successes. It seems much of what she achieved is still classified. But she was involved with much that made the whole space age possible. Interesting but a touch frustrating as well!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Abby Johnson]

An own-voices biography of Cherokee aerospace engineer Mary Golda Ross, this is a book that's helping Ross get the recognition she deserves for her contributions to science.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy from Lerner Publishing Group.
Sorell opens Golda Ross's life to elementary level readers. Her language choices and the illustrations offer a window into her life and career - or as much as is possible for someone who worked on so much classified information. Golda Ross is a role model for Native American women and women of all cultures. She persevered and succeeded in the math and engineering fields despite major pushback and challenges. I appreciate Sorell bringing out that she always encouraged and helped other women to succeed too.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer is a children's picture book written by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Natasha Donovan. It highlights the life and secret work of Cherokee aerospace engineer Mary Golda Ross.

Mary Golda Ross was the first known Native American female engineer, and the first female engineer in the history of Lockheed. She was one of the 40 founding engineers of the renowned and highly secretive Skunk Works project at Lockheed Corporation. She worked at Lockheed from 1942 until her retirement in 1973, where she was best remembered for her work on aerospace design.

Sorell's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. Meticulously researched and subtly framed according to the Cherokee beliefs that piloted Ross, page-turning prose elevates this Indigenous hidden figure to her rightful place in history. Backmatter includes a timeline, author's note, four Cherokee values, source notes, and bibliography. Donovan's bold, classic-comics–like illustrations and colors reminiscent of 1950s advertisements give an appropriately retro vibe.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. As a teen in the 1920s, Mary Golda Ross loves puzzling out math equations despite expectations of the times. At sixteen, she finds being the only girl in a college math class means working extra hard to prove herself to the boys who refused to sit next to her. Guided by her Cherokee belief that gaining life skills in all areas is important, Ross not only strives for better grades, she aims for loftier goals. Ultimately, her passion for math and her commitment to those deeply rooted values result in her selection to a super-secret work team that promises to take her career, and the world, further than ever before.

All in all, Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer is a stellar biography of a little known Cherokee aerospace engineer in Mary Golda Ross.

[Sunday · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honored to have learned about Mary Golda Ross--a Cherokee aerospace engineer. Sorell frames the life of Ross with the Cherokee values of gaining skills in all areas of life, working cooperatively with others, being humble when recognized for achievements, helping ensure access and equity in education and opportunity for all. A little disappointed that Sorrell is so explicit about how Ross revealed these values (e.g., "She modeled the Cherokee value of working together in mind and heart") instead of trusting the reader to draw these conclusions. Not a deal break, though.

Natasha Donovan's illustrations are vivid and colorful, extending and adding to Sorrell's narrative. (I'm new to Donovan's and interested to see what else she has illustrated!)

Both Sorrell and Donovan are members of tribal nations. Appreciate that Millbrook Press made this happen! Lends authority and accuracy to the text.

TEXT SET - A new addition to a growing list of picture books about women in STEM. What might happen if we emerge our k-5 students in books about these women? :)
Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom (Robeson, 2019), Nothing Stopped Sophie: The Story of Unshakable Mathematician Sophie Germain (Bardoe, 2018), Joan Proctor, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles (Valdez, 2018),
Caroline's Comet (McCully, 2017)
Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors? (2013)
Guiding questions for thinking across these titles might be, "How did these women persevere?" and "Why was it important that they persevered? How was the world changed as a result?" I've also reviewed each of these.
Look for these titles on my goodreads shelf "bio women in STEM" - https://www.goodreads.com/review/list....

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent graphic biography of a pioneer in aerospace engineering who also happened to be a Cherokee woman. The author gives kids clear context letting them know on the first page what Cherokee values are and on the facing page how unusual it was for a girl in the 1920’s to excel in math. There are lots of specifics about her career and lots of insight as to who her demeanor- informed by cultural values - helped her to succeed and raise up others. A Timeline, Author’s Note, additional information about Cherokee values, Source Notes and Bibliography round out this valuable addition.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a simple woman, and if I hear that either Traci Sorell is authoring a new picture book or that Natasha Donovan is illustrating a new picture book, I'm willing to read it. That they did a picture book together absolutely thrills me. That picture book being about Mary Gold Ross, a Cherokee aerospace engineer from the mid 20th century? I'm sold on every level before even cracking the spine on a book like this.

I have to say that despite my sky-high expectations, I was not disappointed. Classified uses simple and straightforward prose to cover many points throughout Ross's long life and career, giving us the chance to see who she was as a person and the incredible things she achieved. The story is engaging and informative, and it gives us the chance to explore a side of history that is, unfortunately, far too little known. Donovan's art is absolutely on point, bringing Ross and her work to life in beautiful images that really add to Sorell's narration.

I love reading picture books about STEM history, and this is immediately among my favourites. I highly recommend Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer. This was a story that needed telling, and I'm so glad that it was Sorell and Donovan who got to do that telling.

[Britt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Millibrook Press and NetGalley for providing me with the e-ARC. All opinions in this review are my own.

Classified: The Secret Career of Mary Golda Ross, Cherokee Aerospace Engineer is a gorgeously illustrated picture book which tells the story of Mary Golda Ross. Ross is another hidden figure in the Space Race. This book tells her story in such a way that children can find a new role model in Mary Golda Ross.

[Dylan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classified provides an excellent introduction to an important figure of scientific history who has gone largely unnoticed. Not only was Mary Golda Ross a female scientist in an era of masculine-led science, but she was also a Native American engineer - something largely unheard of even today. The format of graphic novel to tell this story is a great way to pull younger audiences in to learn about the diverse figures who helped build the scientific community.

[michelle (travelingbooknerds) · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was so interesting! i had not known about Mary Golda Ross prior to reading this MG book, and i loved getting to know a little bit about her! as i read this in audiobook format, i didn’t get to see the picture book aspect of this but undoubtedly from the cover image i can only image how beautiful the pages are. personally i wish MGR’s story was told in a more narrative fashion than a list of achievements by year, but i also understand being a children’s reference book there was likely an illustrated timeline going on, but would have enjoyed a little more information than the book provided. i really loved this, and think it’s a must have for every kid and tween :))

[Meagan Hitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love and appreciate stories like this! Mary is surely someone to look up to for what she was able to achieve and accomplish, it is a marvel of what she was able to leave behind for others to follow. History will forever be one of my favorite subjects, as well as reading about things like astronomy and outer space.

A quick, fun, inspiring telling of this woman is all any other girl needs to feel like she can do - and achieve - just as much.

[LeeTravelGoddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure where I saw her name first, on a YouTube video or plastered on a column in the building I work in but I was intrigued and found this little gem of a book. I enjoyed this book, LM owes her so much— I hope they honor her appropriately and not just during Indian Heritage Month.