Hedy and Her Amazing Invention (Amazing Women)

No one suspected that an actress would create a groundbreaking technology….

From childhood, Hedwig Kiesler had two interests: the way things worked and the way people acted. Straightforward text coupled with engaging full-page and spot illustrations made primarily with paper collage tells the eventful story of the girl who would become Hedy Lamarr. The account moves chronologically from her curiosity as a child living in poverty-stricken Austria through her development as an actress, her fledgling attempts at invention, and her escape from an unhappy marriage to America to her support of Allied troops during World War II and her continued interest in science and new ideas. Hedy’s co-creation of frequency hopping—a technology still used widely in missiles, microwaves, software, and cellphones—is shown to be a major accomplishment even though it was not recognized as such until many years later. Although there is insufficient contextualization of how her opportunities may have been limited by gender roles of the time, this is a clear and interesting portrait, and Hedy is portrayed as a strong, intelligent woman full of talent and innovation and is sure to provide young readers with inspiration and encouragement to investigate new ideas of their own. Divided into chapters, the book has lengthier text than the simultaneously publishing picture-book biography Hedy Lamarr’s Double Life, by Laurie Wallmark and illustrated by Katy Wu.

Wahl's short biography presents a fairly well-rounded look at Hedy Lamarr. Her seemingly incongruous twin image as glamorous actress and passionate inventor will be intriguing and encouraging to many young readers. Wallace's primarily paper collage artwork is beautiful and adds to the glamour of her biographical subject. The picture book's smaller than normal trim size will appeal to the reader who may think they've outgrown picture books. Libraries can easily add this title to their collections knowing it can be used for many different types of readers."—School Library Connection

"The book is a luminous tribute to a remarkable woman who carved out an independent and creative life of her own design." —Foreword Reviews, starred review

"This is a clear and interesting portrait, and Hedy is portrayed as a strong, intelligent woman full of talent and innovation and is sure to provide young readers with inspiration and encouragement to investigate new ideas of their own."—Kirkus Reviews

"The main narrative offers an engaging introduction to Lamarr, and, in an appended note, Wahl shares his recollections of meeting her on three occasions. A Canadian artist, Wallace contributes richly colored illustrations created with layers of cut paper, pen and ink, and watercolors. Notable for portraying their subject with consistency, clarity, and beauty, these distinctive collages enhance the book's appeal to a broad audience."—Booklist, starred review