Keyword Guide · book-summary
Writing a summary of Margot Lee Shetterly’s Hidden Figures requires balancing factual context, key narrative arcs, and thematic core without getting bogged down in minor details. This guide will walk you through a structured approach to create a summary that works for class discussions, quizzes, or essay outlines. Whether you’re new to the text or refreshing your notes, these steps will help you distill the book’s most critical elements clearly.
Begin your summary with 1-2 sentences setting the book’s foundational framework. Mention it’s a nonfiction narrative centered on Black female mathematicians at NASA during the mid-20th century, including the era’s racial and gender barriers. Avoid diving into individual character backstories here—save that for key plot beats later.
Break down the book’s main chronological arcs. Focus on the group’s transition from segregated West Computing offices to integrated engineering teams, their critical contributions to early space missions, and the incremental wins for workplace equality. Keep each arc concise; prioritize how their work tied to broader historical events like the Space Race.
Connect plot points to the book’s core themes: systemic racial and gender discrimination, perseverance in STEM, and the quiet power of unrecognized labor. For example, note how the characters’ professional achievements forced institutional change, rather than just listing their job duties. This adds depth beyond a basic plot recap.
Tailor your summary to your task. For quizzes, stick to a 3-paragraph structure: context, key plot beats, themes. for essays or class discussions, expand with 1-2 specific (but non-copyrighted) examples of the characters’ impact, such as their role in calculating orbital trajectories. End with a 1-sentence wrap-up of the book’s lasting relevance.
For high school assignments, aim for 300-500 words. For college lit courses, expand to 600-800 words if paired with thematic analysis. Always follow your instructor’s word count guidelines first.
Focus on the core group of mathematicians featured throughout the narrative. You don’t need to mention every minor supporting character—only those who directly impact the main plot or thematic arcs.
Paraphrase all information in your own words, and avoid quoting copyrighted passages directly. Cite the book as your source per your instructor’s preferred style (MLA, APA, etc.) if required.
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