Author Nathalia Holt to Discuss the Women Who Launched America Into Space on May 3 at Tewksbury Library

TEWKSBURY, MA – Bestselling author Nathalia Holt, Ph.D., will discuss her new book, “Rise of the Rocket Girls: The Women Who Propelled Us, from Missiles to the Moon to Mars,” on Tuesday, May 3, from 7pm to 8pm, at the Tewksbury Public Library.

Holt will explore the riveting true story of the women who launched America into space.

In the 1940s and 50s, when the newly minted Jet Propulsion Laboratory needed quick-thinking mathematicians to calculate velocities and plot trajectories, they didn't turn to male graduates. Instead, they recruited an elite group of young women who, with only pencil, paper, and mathematical prowess, transformed rocket design, helped bring about the first American satellites, and made the exploration of the solar system possible.

For the first time, Holt’s book tells the fascinating stories of these women, known as "human computers,” who broke the boundaries of both gender and science. Based on extensive research and interviews with all the living members of the team, Holt offers a unique perspective on the role of women in science: both where we've been, and the far reaches of space to which we're heading.

“My hope is that these women serve as role models for all of the women that are interested in science,” Holt recently told National Public Radio. “It's a difficult time for women in technology right now. In 1984, 37 percent of all bachelor's degrees in computer science were awarded to women, and today that number has dropped to 18 percent. And even for women that are working in science today, it's about half of all women that leave midcareer. So I think these stories are important for inspiring and being role models that are so much needed for women today.”

“Rise of the Rocket Girls” is currently a New York Times bestseller, an “Amazon Best Book” for April, and one of Entertainment Weekly’s “10 Books You Have To Read in April.” The book received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, Booklist, and Library Journal (Editors’ Choice Pick). Girls Who Code called it “a must read for any woman in tech or interested in technology.”

Adults, high school students and middle school students from Tewksbury and beyond are invited to attend this free hour-long event. A Q&A and book signing – for those interested – will take place after the presentation. Due to limited space, attendees are asked to pre-register and reserve their seats by calling 978-640-4490 x 205, emailing rhayes@mvlc.org, or visiting the library’s online calendar of events at www.tewksburypl.org. The event will take place in the library’s first-floor, handicap-accessible Meeting Room. The library is located at 300 Chandler Street, at the corner of Chandler and Main Street (Route 38).