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The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague
Meet Raye Montague--the hidden mastermind who made waves in the U.S. Navy!
After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades. Through it all, the gifted mathematician persisted--finally gaining her well-deserved title in history: a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever.
The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague is the third book in a riveting educational series about the inspiring lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you'll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Montague herself!
After touring a German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades. Through it all, the gifted mathematician persisted--finally gaining her well-deserved title in history: a pioneer who changed the course of ship design forever.
The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague is the third book in a riveting educational series about the inspiring lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you'll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Montague herself!
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 4, 2018
About the author
Julia Finley Mosca
8 books32 followersJulia Finley Mosca is a copywriter and former journalist who spent more than a decade in Hollywood crafting messages for money. After working with such recognizable brands as Entertainment Tonight, Yahoo!, American Greetings, and JibJab, she landed her most rewarding job yet―mom to one ferociously curious and spunky little girl. The Amazing Scientists series marks Mosca’s debut into the magical world of children’s books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
February 12, 2025
The Girl With a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague by Julia Finley Mosca is an amazing children’s biography about Raye Montague, the brilliant engineer who revolutionized U.S. Navy ship design. Written in engaging rhyming verse, the book makes complex STEM concepts accessible while celebrating perseverance, intelligence, and breaking barriers.
With vibrant illustrations and a motivational message, this book is perfect for young readers, especially those interested in science, technology, and trailblazing figures in history. A very good read for sparking curiosity and confidence! 🚢📚✨
With vibrant illustrations and a motivational message, this book is perfect for young readers, especially those interested in science, technology, and trailblazing figures in history. A very good read for sparking curiosity and confidence! 🚢📚✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2018
Wonderful illustrations, perfect for a read-aloud. Not overly sweet, but realistic and inspirational. I loved the rhymes, adding to the read-aloud potential!
February 19, 2021
Raye Montague is an inspiring example of overcoming racism and sexism in a male-dominated career field. This is the second book we've read by this author and once again, the forced rhyming did not work for us. We would have preferred the story to have just been told. All the same, we had a good conversation about the injustices Raye faced and about how much a person can achieve when they work hard and don't give up.
September 11, 2022
Brilliant woman!
July 7, 2019
Super cute and informative!
August 1, 2020
The resiliency of Black people, especially women, should inspire everyone. Keep going.
March 7, 2021
This was a very informative book for the youth and young adult population. It was the life story of Raye Montague an African American woman who overcame numerous challenges. She was the first person to design a Naval ship using a computer. Just a wonderful book. I highly recommend it to all.
February 24, 2021
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
December 23, 2018
In this rhyming picture book, readers are introduced to Raye Montague. "Who?" my young readers asked when I showed this book to them. And truth be told, I asked the same question when I received it. Raye Montague is an African American from Arkansas, and, it turned out, a whiz at math. At 7, her granddad took her to see a real submarine, and Raye immediately knew what she wanted to be when she grew up - an engineer building ships. The only problem was that Raye lived in the segregated south and went to a school that wasn't as good as the white school. Still, she persisted in her studies, excelling in math and eventually went to college, where she was told, engineering wasn't taught to black students. Graduating with a degree in business, Raye got a job in Washington, DC for the Navy in a department where they designed ships. Hired as a secretary, Raye was undaunted in her desire to be an engineer, and signed up for computer classes. Good thing, too, because when all the engineers got the flu, Raye was able to do her own work as well as theirs. And Raye went on to design the first ship done completely by computer in less than a day. And she still wasn't an licensed engineer! Nor was she allowed to see her computer designed ship when it was built! Why? Because she was a black woman. But Raye persisted, giving her best. Does she ever receive the recognition she so rightly deserved? Yes, she does and more, and, as my kids agreed, finally! Raye's advice to dreamers - never quit, hold your course, and don't stress. Telling this story in rhyme seemed weird at first, but it enabled Mosca to get in a lot of information in a way young readers could relate to, and it opened good discussions about race and sexism that would otherwise be difficult to introduced to young kids. I loved the simple almost cartoonish illustrations because sometimes those speak louder to kids than more realistic images. This is another inspiring, well-done STEM book for young readers. Back matter is included.
December 6, 2020
Nothing will stop Raye from achieving her life-long dream, not racism, not sexism!
Raye is a shining example for young girls of every race to reach for the stars, the moon, and the depths of the seas!
Go GIRLS!
Raye is a shining example for young girls of every race to reach for the stars, the moon, and the depths of the seas!
Go GIRLS!
May 29, 2024
This was superb! I have never heard of Raye Montague before! But she was very important: she recognized the importance of computers and was the first person to use a computer to design a submarine! She did it in a blazing 18.5 hours! She went on to overcome many more obstacles in a field that overlooked females and Blacks. I’m going to have to look up other titles in this series!
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
March 3, 2021
This book is really informative in an engaging way. It's told in rhyme. Kids learn about racial injustice in a way that isn't preachy.
March 2, 2021
This book follows the amazing story of Raye Montague. The book begins with her childhood and life living through segregation. Raye was continually looked down upon for being both a woman and black. She was told she was not allowed to study Engineering so instead got a degree in business. She eventually got a job in the navy and worked hard to prove herself. She was continually pushed down and worked for and with many people blind with prejudice, sexism, and racism. Raye continually out shined each coworker and boss with her natural mind for math. She designed and built a computer program for making naval ships in under 18 hours for President Nixon. Although she created the entire design for the ship, she was no invited to the launching. After years of oppression the world could no longer hide her incredible photographic memory and mind for math. She was a true genius.
This book uses rhyme to walk its reader through the amazing life of Raye Montague. She handled herself with grace and humor even in the face of adversity. She worked hard and never let anyone stop her from accomplishing her goals. This book does an amazing job of explaining Raye Montague's story. It deal with difficult topics such as racism and sexism. This book explains words and ideas like segregation in a way that children can understand. This book is perfect for children as it is a fun and easy read, while also dealing with difficult issues. I loved reading the story of Raye Montague and it is the perfect book for showing children how influential they can be if they continually work hard. It also shows that it is possible to rise above adversity and make a difference even when the world is telling you that you can't.
This book uses rhyme to walk its reader through the amazing life of Raye Montague. She handled herself with grace and humor even in the face of adversity. She worked hard and never let anyone stop her from accomplishing her goals. This book does an amazing job of explaining Raye Montague's story. It deal with difficult topics such as racism and sexism. This book explains words and ideas like segregation in a way that children can understand. This book is perfect for children as it is a fun and easy read, while also dealing with difficult issues. I loved reading the story of Raye Montague and it is the perfect book for showing children how influential they can be if they continually work hard. It also shows that it is possible to rise above adversity and make a difference even when the world is telling you that you can't.
April 25, 2022
Loved this story! I don't know why I'm still a little shocked when hearing how some people assume someone can't do something due to their skin colour. It's appalling to say the least. Raye Montague is an inspiration, and not just for coloured children, but anyone, especially those seen as "less than." This story was a simple and enjoyable way to learn about a talented hardworking women as well as some history. My children all enjoyed the story as well 😉
March 9, 2021
This fun and informative picture book is exactly the kind of book that kids, and grownups who like picture books, should use to enhance their knowledge of history.
As a seven-year-old African-American girl in the Jim Crow South, Raye Montague was inspired by a tour of a WWII Japanese mini-sub, inspiration she never forgot throughout years of confronting obstacles, both as a woman and as an African-American. Determination, intelligence, and some decidedly canny moves eventually brought her to her goal, and she drafted the first computer-designed naval ship, which revolutionized the industry.
Rhyming text sometimes diminishes the impact of an important story, but not in this case. It's fun to read, but conveys facts about segregation and racial inequity that all Americans need to understand. Additionally, the back matter provides lots of material for classroom or storytime discussion.
I used this to introduce a group of professional adults to Montague's story, and it was well-received. I highly recommend it for all ages.
As a seven-year-old African-American girl in the Jim Crow South, Raye Montague was inspired by a tour of a WWII Japanese mini-sub, inspiration she never forgot throughout years of confronting obstacles, both as a woman and as an African-American. Determination, intelligence, and some decidedly canny moves eventually brought her to her goal, and she drafted the first computer-designed naval ship, which revolutionized the industry.
Rhyming text sometimes diminishes the impact of an important story, but not in this case. It's fun to read, but conveys facts about segregation and racial inequity that all Americans need to understand. Additionally, the back matter provides lots of material for classroom or storytime discussion.
I used this to introduce a group of professional adults to Montague's story, and it was well-received. I highly recommend it for all ages.
April 14, 2022
When picking out biographies to read and review, I wanted to make sure I included a wide variety of people and their stories. I wanted to make sure I included strong women of color and their contribution to America. I love this book for the story it tells and the way it is told. There seems to be some controversy on whether or not the rhyme worked for the story, but I thought it was okay. As some readers, I think we could have done without the rhyme, but it doesn't hurt anything. I appreciate the realistic illustrations, I thought they were super cute. Overall, I thought this book was realistic, engaging, and inspirational. Perfect for reading about children, I believe that this discusses sexism, racism, and racial injustice in a way that is easy for younger children to understand. Raye's story and her contribution to science in America are powerful and discuss how being a black woman in a white male-dominated field are important. This book does reinforce messages that are imperative to teaching children: treat people with respect and don't give up.
April 19, 2020
This is a picture book biography about Raye Montague, the African American woman who broke barriers in the U.S. Navy. It portrays her ambition and courage throughout her whole life and how even when she was young she knew what she wanted to accomplish and didn't stop when things got hard. This is a WOW book for me because I didn't know much about Raye Montague and this book is so easy to read and inspiring for people of all ages. It does not shy away from speaking about uncomfortable and upsetting displays of racism and forces students to see the world from Raye's point of view.
I would use this in a 3rd grade classroom to talk about the history of African Americans and women in the 1900s and the figures who broke scientific and technological records despite those barriers. I would also use this to teach about how to use and make timelines, since this book has a timeline in the back that illustrates every huge event in her life, from birth to death.
I would use this in a 3rd grade classroom to talk about the history of African Americans and women in the 1900s and the figures who broke scientific and technological records despite those barriers. I would also use this to teach about how to use and make timelines, since this book has a timeline in the back that illustrates every huge event in her life, from birth to death.
March 28, 2021
This book made a delightful read-aloud for Women's History Month! I decided to group some selections about women in STEAM careers for my weekly read-alouds to one of our multi-grade special education classrooms.
My students enjoyed the rhyming text. The rhymes were well-chosen and made the book a lot of fun to read aloud. The bold graphic illustrations were also a hit. The message of being underestimated but continuing to work toward your goals was one that resonated with my students. The book addresses some tough issues of race and gender discrimination in a sensitive way that works for younger readers. I appreciated the excellent back materials. When we read a book about a real person, my students always enjoy seeing photos of the person, and I liked the use of the timeline to present some of the photos. The note from Raye at the end was also lovely.
My students enjoyed the rhyming text. The rhymes were well-chosen and made the book a lot of fun to read aloud. The bold graphic illustrations were also a hit. The message of being underestimated but continuing to work toward your goals was one that resonated with my students. The book addresses some tough issues of race and gender discrimination in a sensitive way that works for younger readers. I appreciated the excellent back materials. When we read a book about a real person, my students always enjoy seeing photos of the person, and I liked the use of the timeline to present some of the photos. The note from Raye at the end was also lovely.
July 31, 2021
A rhyming picture book biography about the engineer and computer analyst Raye Montague. As a female woman of color, Raye had many obstacles but because she was extremely bright and hardworking and was at the right place at the right time, she was able to do the work she loved: designing submarines. A well-told, well researched story with excellent supplementary material at the back.
Absolutely inspiring message:
"So, the lesson to All
is don't ever give in.
Take a CHANCE. Rock the boat.
If it sinks, you can SWIM.
When a storm comes your way,
hold your course, and don't stress.
NEVER QUIT, and like Raye,
PROPEL STRAIGHT TO SUCCESS!"
Absolutely inspiring message:
"So, the lesson to All
is don't ever give in.
Take a CHANCE. Rock the boat.
If it sinks, you can SWIM.
When a storm comes your way,
hold your course, and don't stress.
NEVER QUIT, and like Raye,
PROPEL STRAIGHT TO SUCCESS!"
February 20, 2022
Engineering submarines. Cool.
This children's book series features people who history hasn't remembered well and needs to. Raye Montague was a Black girl with a mind for math but at every turn she couldn't study for engineering because she couldn't go to the white school and then when she worked for the company that made them, many thought she was the hired help until in eighteen hours she designed what they thought would take days or weeks. She was a computer like the ladies from NASA were except for the Navy.
I like that these rhyme and pay homage to a life that contributed greatly but also in the perseverance that she needed when people actively worked against her.
This children's book series features people who history hasn't remembered well and needs to. Raye Montague was a Black girl with a mind for math but at every turn she couldn't study for engineering because she couldn't go to the white school and then when she worked for the company that made them, many thought she was the hired help until in eighteen hours she designed what they thought would take days or weeks. She was a computer like the ladies from NASA were except for the Navy.
I like that these rhyme and pay homage to a life that contributed greatly but also in the perseverance that she needed when people actively worked against her.
February 1, 2020
Raye Montague is known as the Hidden Figure Navy ship designer.
I love the Amazing Scientists Series because they feature some amazing women that are unknown to most of us.
This book is all about the engineer, Raye Montague (1935-2018). After seeing her first boat, Raye knew she wanted to become an engineer. Of course, at that time, African Americans becoming engineers was almost impossible.
But, she would become an engineer and get a job working for the Navy, where she would design ships. Becoming the first person to design a draft of a ship on the computer!
I love the Amazing Scientists Series because they feature some amazing women that are unknown to most of us.
This book is all about the engineer, Raye Montague (1935-2018). After seeing her first boat, Raye knew she wanted to become an engineer. Of course, at that time, African Americans becoming engineers was almost impossible.
But, she would become an engineer and get a job working for the Navy, where she would design ships. Becoming the first person to design a draft of a ship on the computer!
March 3, 2021
The Girl with a Mind for Math: The Story of Raye Montague is a non fiction children's picture book that tell us the Story of Raye Montague. It follows her story from when she was young and had as many obstacles as you can think of. Her grandpa took her to see a submarine and inspiration was sparked. From then, she overcame everything like racism and sexism to become the first African American woman engineer in submarine designing. I believe every child should read this book because of its message and the inspiration it can spark.
December 5, 2021
"The Girl with a Mind for Math" written by Julia Finely Mosca is a rhyming-text picture book about Raye Montague. This biography is about an African American engineer. The intended audience for this book are children ages 5-10 years old. This was an amazing book to read and listen to. I gave this book 5 stars and would love to introduce it to my second grade students. I work in a public charter school with predominantly African American children. This is the perfect book to read to them to show them everything is possible for us.
January 4, 2021
This is a wonderful biography of Raye Montague. She had to overcome the challenge of being not only a female, but also black, in a time when both of those things excluded her from using her mind the way she was meant to. It was only with great perseverance that she was able to show that she too was worthy! A great book to read with young people in your life. This would also make a great read-aloud picture book for a middle school or high school class.
February 24, 2024
Impressive biography of the black woman who was the first person in the world to design a ship by computer. Overcoming racism and sexism which prevented her from being invited to see the ship launched, she finally received awards and was registered as a professional engineer in both the US and Canada. The Navy finally recognized her as the first of their very own "hidden figures".
April 6, 2021
This book is great for younger students who struggle in school or identity. This book inspires children to be who they are and fight for what they love. I loved looking into and reading this book, I think it would be great for children to read this at least once so they can strive to reach their goals and dreams, just like the girl in this book did!
May 12, 2021
GN460L. Meet Raye Montague--the hidden mastermind who made waves in the U.S. Navy! After touring a
German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did
she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping
her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades.
German submarine in the early 1940s, young Raye set her sights on becoming an engineer. Little did
she know sexism and racial inequality would challenge that dream every step of the way, even keeping
her greatest career accomplishment a secret for decades.
June 4, 2021
Perfect example of biography picture book! Not only is it engaging and beautiful, it also rhymes! The additional information in the back of the book is excellent as well. I probably can't praise this highly enough. Raye is someone we can all look up to, and this book is an excellent addition to any collection.
December 17, 2020
My daughter (4) happens to love books written in rhyme so she likes this series read aloud to her. I like that they tell inspirational stories about awesome women. A simplistic biography in verse, the back has a more in depth history and timeline which I like.
November 27, 2021
Such an excellent true story about the remarkable life of Raye Montague, a black woman who was meant to be an engineer and quietly persisted in attaining that goal. Will use during Black History Month (February) or Women’s History Month (March).
Story: 5
Illustrations: 4
Read aloud: 5
Story: 5
Illustrations: 4
Read aloud: 5
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews