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DISCUSSION GUIDE
THE BRILLIANT CALCULATOR: How Mathematician Edith Clarke Helped Electrify America
Praise For The Brilliant Calculator
“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
About The Author
Jan Lower has worked with quite a few electrical engineers, but none as remarkable as Edith Clarke. When she’s not investigating inventions from her home in Maryland, Jan is searching for fascinating non-fiction stories, like NASA’s mission to connect with other life forms in the universe, told in her book A Song for the Cosmos: Blind Willie Johnson and Voyager’s Golden Record. A former lawyer, Jan holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. Find out more about Jan at janlower.com.
Susan Reagan has always loved illustration and drawing just as much as Edith Clarke loved mathematics and electricity. Her picture books include You and Me, Lights Out, and Revolutionary Prudence Wright. Susan graduated with a BFA in illustration from the Columbus College of Art and Design. She lives in Tremont, a historical neighborhood of her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. Learn more about Susan at susanreaganart.com.
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