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Hedy Lamarr's Double Life: Hollywood Legend and Brilliant Inventor
Movie star by day, ace inventor at night: learn about the hidden life of actress Hedy Lamarr!
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. The story of how, during World War Two, Lamarr developed a groundbreaking communications system that still remains essential to the security of today’s technology.
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. The story of how, during World War Two, Lamarr developed a groundbreaking communications system that still remains essential to the security of today’s technology.
48 pages, Hardcover
First published February 5, 2019
15 people are currently reading
755 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Wallmark
12 books58 followersAward-winning author Laurie Wallmark writes picture book biographies of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) as well as fiction. Her books have earned multiple starred trade reviews, been chosen as Junior Library Guild Selections, and received awards such as Outstanding Science Trade Book, Best STEM Book, Crystal Kite Award, Cook Prize Honor, and Parents’ Choice Gold Medal. Her titles include ADA BYRON LOVELACE AND THE THINKING MACHINE, GRACE HOPPER: QUEEN OF COMPUTER CODE, HEDY LAMARR’S DOUBLE LIFE, NUMBERS IN MOTION, CODE BREAKER, SPY HUNTER, and DINO PAJAMA PARTY. Laurie has an MFA in Writing from VCFA and frequently presents at schools as well as national professional conferences (NSTA, NCTE, ALA, TLA, etc.). She is a former software engineer and computer science professor. You can find Laurie on the Web at www.lauriewallmark.com and @lauriewallmark.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
July 31, 2024
Wow - I can only wonder what she could have come up with if she had been supported by the powers that be - a true STEM role model for young girls everywhere! Just recently I have heard of her part in the development of a radio guidance system using spread spectrum/frequency hopping technology to help the Allies defeat the Axis powers.
May 28, 2020
When someone mentions the name Hedy Lamarr, what comes to your mind? For me it is the glamour of Hollywood. Little did I know that Hedy was also a brilliant inventor. In fact, her idea for frequency-hopping is the backbone to device security. Hedy and George Antheil came up with the idea while playing piano together at a Hollywood dinner party during WW II. Their idea was meant to help keep transmissions to torpedoes secure and secret from the enemy. Hedy would wait more than fifty years to be officially recognized for her contribution. Includes more details on the versatility of frequency hopping and a timeline for Hedy's life. Fascinating!
"People seem to think because I have a pretty face I'm stupid . . . I have to work twice as hard as anyone else to convince people I have something resembling a brain." - Hedy Lamarr
"People seem to think because I have a pretty face I'm stupid . . . I have to work twice as hard as anyone else to convince people I have something resembling a brain." - Hedy Lamarr
August 12, 2019
Hedy Lamarr (born Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler, 1914 - Vienna, Australia) was best known as an international movie star - with a filmography that spans three decades. She "led a double life. The public knew her as a glamorous movie star, famous throughout the world. But in private Hedy was a brilliant inventor, a fact known only to her closest friends" (from the opening pages of Hedy Lamarr's Double Life: Hollywood Legend and Brilliant Inventor).
As a child, she put her creativity to use through imaginative play. She constructed a platform for her toys to put on performances so she could reenact parts of movies she'd seen. All her life, she..."loved to play act and pretend." She was a tinkerer too and was very interested in how things worked. Hedy had a passion for science and engineering and she had so many ideas. There was one idea in particular that birthed a secure torpedo guidance system (designed with George Antheil). It was a secret communications system that used frequency hopping that would prevent the enemy from being able to interfere with communications between U.S. naval ships and torpedos. And while this new idea would have been incredibly helpful, our country was at war and this frequency-hopping design would not see the light of day for decades. Can you guess where you might find this technology today though?
Hedy Lamarr is someone I never really knew anything about and the combined work of Laurie Wallmark and Katy Wu provided a great introduction to her life. The book is packed with inspiring examples of Hedy's creative process that shows the reader how she persevered. The story also encourages curiosity and play; two important ingredients to spark innovation. In the back matter, you will find a timeline of Hedy's life (from Australia to the United States), details about the secret communications system, Hedy's Filmography, and a list of additional reading about women in STEM.
I will definitely add a copy of this book to our K-5 library collection and I already have some teachers in mind who I know will want to get their hands on it to read with their students. The recommendation I found on Amazon was for ages 5 and up but honestly, as a class read aloud, it would be better suited for 2nd grade and up.
As a child, she put her creativity to use through imaginative play. She constructed a platform for her toys to put on performances so she could reenact parts of movies she'd seen. All her life, she..."loved to play act and pretend." She was a tinkerer too and was very interested in how things worked. Hedy had a passion for science and engineering and she had so many ideas. There was one idea in particular that birthed a secure torpedo guidance system (designed with George Antheil). It was a secret communications system that used frequency hopping that would prevent the enemy from being able to interfere with communications between U.S. naval ships and torpedos. And while this new idea would have been incredibly helpful, our country was at war and this frequency-hopping design would not see the light of day for decades. Can you guess where you might find this technology today though?
Hedy Lamarr is someone I never really knew anything about and the combined work of Laurie Wallmark and Katy Wu provided a great introduction to her life. The book is packed with inspiring examples of Hedy's creative process that shows the reader how she persevered. The story also encourages curiosity and play; two important ingredients to spark innovation. In the back matter, you will find a timeline of Hedy's life (from Australia to the United States), details about the secret communications system, Hedy's Filmography, and a list of additional reading about women in STEM.
I will definitely add a copy of this book to our K-5 library collection and I already have some teachers in mind who I know will want to get their hands on it to read with their students. The recommendation I found on Amazon was for ages 5 and up but honestly, as a class read aloud, it would be better suited for 2nd grade and up.
March 16, 2019
Simple and informative and adorable.
February 22, 2020
This woman fascinates me so much and this children's story is a decent telling of the enigma of being the world's most beautiful woman as well as the creator of the frequency-hopping that keeps us from being constantly hacked on our devices. It needs to be offered to an older audience than many picture books because some of the concepts are tough to grasp for those of us who do not have a mathematical or scientific mind but the science concepts are offered up more than once from different angles to help with that comprehension. Great biography for a picture book!
January 7, 2020
As someone who is not a Hollywood buff (or even the opposite, I'm probably the least knowledgeable on that topic..), I was pleasantly surprised at how I fell in love with this picture book biography. I had no idea who Hedy Lamarr was when I picked this up (hides from CA movie buff friends) but oh em gee, she's amazing. I appreciated the multitudes she contained and how she was never ONE thing, no matter what people may have seen at the time. What a brilliant person, loved learning her story
August 1, 2024
This book gives a cool overview of Hedy Lamarr, delving into her illustrious career as both an actress and inventor.
I like that it discusses how she started inventing when she was a child, and kept doing it even when she became a Hollywood star. A true lesson that you can do anything you set your mind to.
It has certainly piqued my interest in seeking out a more in-depth biography on this brilliant figure.
I like that it discusses how she started inventing when she was a child, and kept doing it even when she became a Hollywood star. A true lesson that you can do anything you set your mind to.
It has certainly piqued my interest in seeking out a more in-depth biography on this brilliant figure.
June 27, 2019
I find picture book biographies to be a great way to learn a bit of information and to encourage me to learn more. I will guess this book will be loved for it's amazing dichotomy of a scientist and inventor who was better known as a Hollywood actress. I love to see more books about famous women who defied the odds and did what their hearts desired. They are our heroines, our leaders, and our philosophers, as well. Hedy's life should be better know for both her successful life roles. I am glad she was acknowledged in her lifetime with the award for her work as a scientist, inventor, and leader in the world of technology. If you need more books about famous women, don't miss this one!
March 16, 2019
When my sister and I were kids, there was nothing we liked better than to watch an old black and white movie on a rainy, snowy, and/or cold Sunday afternoon. And among the films we watched were more than a few starring Hedy Lamarr. She was a wonderful actor. We never would have guessed that she had led a double life as an inventor and that one of her inventions would impact our lives years later.
In her picture book biography for older readers, Laurie Wallmark looks at both sides of Lamarr's life - the actor and the inventor. Born Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler in Vienna, Austria, Hedy was fascinated by two things as a child - acting and science. She was especially interested in how things worked, discussing them with her father as they strolled around Vienna.
Hedy also liked to see plays, often acting them out at home. When she was older, Hedy became a script girl, and was soon getting small parts in plays. After landing the lead role in one, she was "discovered" by producer Louis B. Mayer, and moved to America with a movie contract and a new name - Hedy Lamarr.
While here, she met George Anteil, a composer and former weapons inspector. Remembering a discussion she had overheard before leaving Europe about a problem with the guidance system for torpedoes, she and George began working together to see if they could solve the problem, getting their inspiration from the behavior of piano wire while playing the piano together.
Hedy and George did solve the problem with a system based on frequency hopping like that used in walkie-talkies, but more sophisticated. They patented their invention and offered it to the United States Navy. Unfortunately, World War II had already begun and the Navy didn't have the time or money to implement the new system, but they did classify it so no one else could use it. Hedy and George must have been so disappointed, but Hedy decided to use her celebrity to sell war bonds for her adopted country, wanting to help defeat the Nazis, who had invaded her homeland Austria. Hedy also volunteered at the Hollywood Canteen, dancing and talking to soldiers on leave and where Friday night were Hedy Lamarr Nights.
And the frequency hopping invention? Forty years after classifying it, it was declassified, the patent had expired so anyone could use it and Hedy and George received no credit for their invention. But Hedy's idea is basically the technology that keeps cell phone calls and text messages private, and allows secure wireless communication between computers and the Internet.
Finally, in 1997, Hedy and George were give the Pioneer Award from the Electronic Frontier Foundation for their invention - Hedy's response to the award - "It's about time." Can you blame her?
Hedy Lamarr's Double Life is a wonderfully inspirational STEM book, ideal for reading now during Women's History Month, or anytime, really. The text describing the development of the frequency hopping system and the complex communication that would then have to occur between a ship and it's torpedo is presented in clear, easy to follow language and illustrations. But author Laurie Wallmark makes clear that this was not the only invention of Hedy Lamarr's, that she was a woman with a creative mind combined with an understanding of engineering.
The digitally created illustrations are rich and vibrant, reflecting the art of Hedy Lamarr's times, and capturing some of the glamour befitting a Hollywood legend, but without diminishing her intelligence and creativity.
Back matter includes a Timeline of Hedy's life and invention, a short explanation of the frequency hopping communications system, a Selected Bibliography, Additional Reading About Other Women in STEM, and a list of Hedy's movies.
Hedy Lamarr's Double Life is an entertaining biography that celebrates both the inventor and the actress equally.
An extensive Discussion Guidefor this book is available courtesy of the publisher, Sterling Children's Books.
This book is recommended for readers age 7+
This book was sent to me by the publisher.
In her picture book biography for older readers, Laurie Wallmark looks at both sides of Lamarr's life - the actor and the inventor. Born Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler in Vienna, Austria, Hedy was fascinated by two things as a child - acting and science. She was especially interested in how things worked, discussing them with her father as they strolled around Vienna.
Hedy also liked to see plays, often acting them out at home. When she was older, Hedy became a script girl, and was soon getting small parts in plays. After landing the lead role in one, she was "discovered" by producer Louis B. Mayer, and moved to America with a movie contract and a new name - Hedy Lamarr.
While here, she met George Anteil, a composer and former weapons inspector. Remembering a discussion she had overheard before leaving Europe about a problem with the guidance system for torpedoes, she and George began working together to see if they could solve the problem, getting their inspiration from the behavior of piano wire while playing the piano together.
Hedy and George did solve the problem with a system based on frequency hopping like that used in walkie-talkies, but more sophisticated. They patented their invention and offered it to the United States Navy. Unfortunately, World War II had already begun and the Navy didn't have the time or money to implement the new system, but they did classify it so no one else could use it. Hedy and George must have been so disappointed, but Hedy decided to use her celebrity to sell war bonds for her adopted country, wanting to help defeat the Nazis, who had invaded her homeland Austria. Hedy also volunteered at the Hollywood Canteen, dancing and talking to soldiers on leave and where Friday night were Hedy Lamarr Nights.
And the frequency hopping invention? Forty years after classifying it, it was declassified, the patent had expired so anyone could use it and Hedy and George received no credit for their invention. But Hedy's idea is basically the technology that keeps cell phone calls and text messages private, and allows secure wireless communication between computers and the Internet.
Finally, in 1997, Hedy and George were give the Pioneer Award from the Electronic Frontier Foundation for their invention - Hedy's response to the award - "It's about time." Can you blame her?
Hedy Lamarr's Double Life is a wonderfully inspirational STEM book, ideal for reading now during Women's History Month, or anytime, really. The text describing the development of the frequency hopping system and the complex communication that would then have to occur between a ship and it's torpedo is presented in clear, easy to follow language and illustrations. But author Laurie Wallmark makes clear that this was not the only invention of Hedy Lamarr's, that she was a woman with a creative mind combined with an understanding of engineering.
The digitally created illustrations are rich and vibrant, reflecting the art of Hedy Lamarr's times, and capturing some of the glamour befitting a Hollywood legend, but without diminishing her intelligence and creativity.
Back matter includes a Timeline of Hedy's life and invention, a short explanation of the frequency hopping communications system, a Selected Bibliography, Additional Reading About Other Women in STEM, and a list of Hedy's movies.
Hedy Lamarr's Double Life is an entertaining biography that celebrates both the inventor and the actress equally.
An extensive Discussion Guidefor this book is available courtesy of the publisher, Sterling Children's Books.
This book is recommended for readers age 7+
This book was sent to me by the publisher.
August 18, 2019
Hedy Lamarr was a beautiful and glamorous movie star yet this biography shows another side to her. She was also a brilliant inventor, a fact known only to a few of her closest friends. She actually had no interest in the Hollywood lifestyle as her passion was science and engineering, something that was encouraged by her father. Her greatest invention was the technology known as frequency-hopping spread spectrum which helps to keep mobile calls and texts private, although at the time she invented it to reduce the chances of torpedoes being intercepted by the enemy. This was patented in 1942 yet Hedy’s involvement was not acknowledged until1997.
The text includes not only the main thread of the story but lots of additional facts, and the illustrations add extra details such as her design for a glow-in-the-dark dog collar and an accordion-fold box of tissues. They are also excellent for explaining her various theories and inventions. There is a selected bibliography and a list of other women in STEM for further reading as well as a list of her films. In addition, the book is littered with some great quotes from her such as: “the brains of people are more interesting than the looks, I think”. A fantastic addition to the biography shelves of any school library highlighting yet another woman who has had a major involvement in STEM, this book would also be excellent for any girl who is interested in the sciences.
The text includes not only the main thread of the story but lots of additional facts, and the illustrations add extra details such as her design for a glow-in-the-dark dog collar and an accordion-fold box of tissues. They are also excellent for explaining her various theories and inventions. There is a selected bibliography and a list of other women in STEM for further reading as well as a list of her films. In addition, the book is littered with some great quotes from her such as: “the brains of people are more interesting than the looks, I think”. A fantastic addition to the biography shelves of any school library highlighting yet another woman who has had a major involvement in STEM, this book would also be excellent for any girl who is interested in the sciences.
December 5, 2020
To the public's eyes, Hedy Lamarr was a gorgeous and beautiful movie star who was seen in many films and movies in that time period. Through all that glamour, she was someone else and not just a pretty face. In private, she was an inventor and only her closest friends knew that. During the time of WW2, America was suffering badly on the war-front so Lamarr and her partner decided to find a solution. Many enemies were cutting off radio signals and predicting each other's attacks, so Lamarr found a way to use a frequency-hopping spread spectrum. In the use of those words, many may not know what it means but overall these frequencies would help out in the war. These devices would help the communications through the people, without the enemy finding out what they did. These radio signals would not be blocked or intercepted so this would help the troops. In this solution, the American government didn't use this at that time but it was funded and used later on. People may take this for granted but with cellphones using the same technology as in phones.
I liked the book when I expected this book to be about an actress, and expected the stereotypical actress "act." Through this book, made me realize not to judge a person by his or her cover when they may have several talents like Hedy. I would incorporate Hedy Lamarr in the lessons about the sciences and mathematics, especially for young girls when considering STEM careers.
I liked the book when I expected this book to be about an actress, and expected the stereotypical actress "act." Through this book, made me realize not to judge a person by his or her cover when they may have several talents like Hedy. I would incorporate Hedy Lamarr in the lessons about the sciences and mathematics, especially for young girls when considering STEM careers.
August 13, 2019
A picture book biography of actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr.
Ok, I now want to hunt down an adult biography of Hedy Lamarr. I had heard that she was an inventor before reading this, but didn't know many details. My interest is thoroughly piqued now and I want more information about her life! This does share how Hedy got into acting, her most famous roles, and her charity work, but it primarily focuses on the invention she developed with a friend that we use every day for internet and phone security. I like the quotes from Hedy on each spread along with the attractive illustrations. If you are looking for a good women in STEAM read, a reinforcement for readers that women have much more value than just their outward appearances, or an engaging picture book biography, snatch this up.
Ok, I now want to hunt down an adult biography of Hedy Lamarr. I had heard that she was an inventor before reading this, but didn't know many details. My interest is thoroughly piqued now and I want more information about her life! This does share how Hedy got into acting, her most famous roles, and her charity work, but it primarily focuses on the invention she developed with a friend that we use every day for internet and phone security. I like the quotes from Hedy on each spread along with the attractive illustrations. If you are looking for a good women in STEAM read, a reinforcement for readers that women have much more value than just their outward appearances, or an engaging picture book biography, snatch this up.
January 5, 2019
An engaging and entertaining tale of the brains behind a Hollywood legend. I love how playing the piano inspired Hedy to invent a secure torpedo guidance system. This book gives clear and easily understood descriptions of frequency hopping and how her pioneering work helps us keep cell phone calls and texts private. My favorite quote: "Do good anyway...think big anyway...build anyway."An inspiring message from an inspiring woman.
January 15, 2019
What a fascinating story about a Hollywood legend AND inventor. Before reading this, I hadn't known anything about Hedy Lamarr's life as an inventor and the specific invention shared in this story. Kids and teachers alike will love the layers of information in this book, beautifully married together by the illustrator, writer, and designer. Certainly a great STEM book, but also so appealing for young students interested in biographies.
January 14, 2019
An exceptionally thorough and well-explained account of a fascinating historical figure. It's about time she gets credit for her amazing contributions! This book has loads of classroom applications and would definitely stir up a desire to be inventive. And I loved the illustrations.
February 20, 2019
Great book! Loved how the author showed the complete life of this talented woman. Also loved the fact that I could causally mention her story to my sci-fi loving brother and he knew all about Hedy’s contribution.
March 29, 2019
It was so interesting to learn about this name I only associated with glamour and movies. Wow, she really had a passion for inventing. I only wish there were some photographs of Hedy Lamarr in the back matter. I found myself hoping to get to them at the end.
May 19, 2019
I love the contrasts that are set up in Lamarr’s story. She is both a gorgeous and talented actress AND a smart and curious inventor. There was no need to only choose only one way to be because of other people’s dumb stereotypes.
November 16, 2018
Engaging and informative!
March 8, 2019
IRIS March 7
March 26, 2019
A great biography that shows a fun connection between art and science, and a not familiar side of a famous actress.
March 29, 2019
This is a great time for non-fiction picture books. I so enjoyed learning about this amazing woman by reading this book. And I'm a grownup!
July 24, 2020
Hedy Lamarr was a glamorous actress and an inventor, cool.
July 27, 2022
This was more informative than expected, and wonderfully so! It's a great introduction to Hedy Lamarr's life for children (as well as curious adults), and covers both her rise as an actor as equal to her inventive mind.
September 24, 2021
Fascinating, but many words.
April 4, 2021
This was well-done, just detailed enough to be interesting, but not so heavy on details that it is too dense to be a bedtime read.
April 29, 2023
I'd rate this book 3 and a half stars. It was very informative and fun, and the illustrations were beautiful and exciting as well! I loved learning about Hedy Lamarr and her life, including the awesome inventions she created!
May 11, 2022
Children's story about Heddy Lamarr and who she was. It shows girls that they too can be inventors and tinkerers.
June 4, 2019
Movie actress by day, inventor by night! Hedy Lamar's fascinating and inspiring story is told wonderfully in this accessible picture book biography. The explanations of her fascinating inventions is clear and understandable for a young audience.
I loved the retro-style illustrations too. A Time Line, list of films, bibliography and a list of other reading about women in STEM is included.
In Lamar's own words, "It's about time."
I loved the retro-style illustrations too. A Time Line, list of films, bibliography and a list of other reading about women in STEM is included.
In Lamar's own words, "It's about time."
February 21, 2019
Hollywood glamour meets scientific brains in a way to inspire kids that even more interesting dreams can come true.
Hedy Lamarr was a famous actress, known for her films with the biggest stars, but she had a lesser known side to her life too. Hedy was a curious person with an inventive touch. Noticing things which could be improved around her, she created various inventions in her free time. Most were never patented. But one invention of hers was quite ingenious and is now used in daily life today.
While many young readers might not know who Hedy Lamarr is, this read still is an inspiring read which is sure to grab their interest. It begins with the Hedy Lamarr as a star in Hollywood, allowing young readers to see how successful and glamorous she was. Even if the actors and actresses don't ring a bell with every young reader, the message comes across loud and clear. After this, the book turns to Hedy's past and childhood in Austria. It shows her as a young girl doing average things, but with the twist of the interests she held. Young listeners can easily identify with her and see that she might not be so different than them. Then, the book turns to Hedy the inventor and explains how she came up with an invention which is still used today.
All of this is told in a interesting way and never runs into the danger of growing boring. When the second half of the book dives into her 'important' invention, time and care are taken to make sure the reader understands the theory behind her discovery. It covers frequencies, a concept which might seem high for young listeners, but the author does an amazing job at bringing the concept across in an easy and understandable way.
The illustrations have a nice flair, fitting to Hedy's time period but still holding enough similarity to modern illustrations to keep readers' interest. The illustrations also hold extra information next to the text, making the two work hand in hand as Hedy's life is explained. Hedy's own sayings from during her life are also mixed in with a more colorful text form, adding more of her personality.
At the end of the book, there is a timeline which outlines the more important moments of Hedy's life; a couple of pages summarizes the Secrets of the Secret Communications System; a Bibliography; additional sources to learn about other woman who centered toward STEM; and a list and timeline of the films Hedy was in.
I received a complimentary copy and found it to be an interesting and well done read.
Hedy Lamarr was a famous actress, known for her films with the biggest stars, but she had a lesser known side to her life too. Hedy was a curious person with an inventive touch. Noticing things which could be improved around her, she created various inventions in her free time. Most were never patented. But one invention of hers was quite ingenious and is now used in daily life today.
While many young readers might not know who Hedy Lamarr is, this read still is an inspiring read which is sure to grab their interest. It begins with the Hedy Lamarr as a star in Hollywood, allowing young readers to see how successful and glamorous she was. Even if the actors and actresses don't ring a bell with every young reader, the message comes across loud and clear. After this, the book turns to Hedy's past and childhood in Austria. It shows her as a young girl doing average things, but with the twist of the interests she held. Young listeners can easily identify with her and see that she might not be so different than them. Then, the book turns to Hedy the inventor and explains how she came up with an invention which is still used today.
All of this is told in a interesting way and never runs into the danger of growing boring. When the second half of the book dives into her 'important' invention, time and care are taken to make sure the reader understands the theory behind her discovery. It covers frequencies, a concept which might seem high for young listeners, but the author does an amazing job at bringing the concept across in an easy and understandable way.
The illustrations have a nice flair, fitting to Hedy's time period but still holding enough similarity to modern illustrations to keep readers' interest. The illustrations also hold extra information next to the text, making the two work hand in hand as Hedy's life is explained. Hedy's own sayings from during her life are also mixed in with a more colorful text form, adding more of her personality.
At the end of the book, there is a timeline which outlines the more important moments of Hedy's life; a couple of pages summarizes the Secrets of the Secret Communications System; a Bibliography; additional sources to learn about other woman who centered toward STEM; and a list and timeline of the films Hedy was in.
I received a complimentary copy and found it to be an interesting and well done read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews