Back of Book:
To her adoring public, Hedy Lamarr was a glamorous movie star, widely considered the most beautiful woman in the world. But in private, she was something more: a brilliant inventor. And for many years only her closest friends knew her secret. Now Laurie Wallmark and Katy Wu, who collaborated on Sterling’s critically acclaimed picture-book biography Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code, tell the inspiring story of how, during World War Two, Lamarr developed a groundbreaking communications system that still remains essential to the security of today’s technology.
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from author Laurie Wallmark in exchange for an honest review.
I have been a long time fan of Hedy Lamarr’s acting career. It wasn’t until recently that I learned what a strong and intelligent woman Hedy was. The story follows Hedy from childhood in Austria to her amazing career in Holywood. The most intriguing part of this story to me was the fact that Hedy invented such a complicated system. She worked hard with George Antheil to create a secure torpedo guidance system. Sadly the system she created would be taken and Hedy didn’t receive credit for many years. Amazingly Heldy continued to do anything she could for the country she loved. She sold war bonds and held dances for the soldiers during World War 2. Laurie created a well researched and fascinating biography about one amazing woman. Katy Wu’s illustrations are truly stunning and bring depth to the life of Hedy Lamarr. The back of the book has a timeline of Hedys life, a list of her movies , as well as more information about the Secret Communications System. This is an excellent book for National Women’s Month or any unit on inventions. I highly recommend it!
Ages 6 and up
48 Pages
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