Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code By Laurie Wallmark, illustrated by Katy Wu

 

Grace Hopper wasn’t just ahead of her time, she was the one helping to create the future. In Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code, Laurie Wallmark and illustrator Katy Wu bring to life the story of a woman who refused to take “no” for an answer, pioneering programming languages, and reshaping how we interact with computers.

While this book is often labeled for younger readers, its engaging narrative and bold illustrations make it an excellent gateway text for middle and high school students to explore topics in mathematics, technology, problem-solving, and gender equity in STEM.


Curriculum Connections

Mathematics

  • Grace’s work on computer programming required precise logic and an understanding of binary systems. Use the book as a springboard to explore:

    • Number bases (binary, octal, decimal, hexadecimal)

    • Algorithms and step-by-step problem solving

    • Debugging as a form of mathematical reasoning

Technology & Computer Science

  • Grace coined the term debugging after removing an actual moth from a computer!

  • Connect her story to coding activities:

    • Introduce basic programming with Scratch or Python.

    • Explore the history of programming languages, especially COBOL.

    • Discuss women’s contributions to computer science, past and present.

History & Social Studies

  • Place Grace in the context of WWII and the early days of computing.

  • Explore how societal expectations for women in the 1940s–1960s shaped her career path.

Discussion Questions  

Technology & Math Lens

  1. Grace Hopper believed programming should be in English, not machine code. How did this idea change the accessibility of computing?

  2. What are the similarities between debugging a computer program and solving a math problem?

  3. How might early computers have changed the outcome of WWII?

Social Studies & Equity Lens

  1. Grace faced obstacles as a woman in a male-dominated field. How might her career have been different if she started today?                                                                                                               
  2. Why do you think women’s contributions to technology are sometimes overlooked in history?

Personal Reflection

  1. Grace often said, “The most dangerous phrase in the language is, ‘We’ve always done it this way.’” What’s an example in your life or school where change led to improvement?

Grace Hopper’s story reminds us that curiosity, creativity, and courage can change the world whether you’re working with computers, solving equations, or challenging the status quo. This picture book can ignite that same spirit in your students, regardless of their grade level.

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