Member Reviews

Another brilliant addition the “Little People, Big Dreams.” Series. I knew nothing about Hedy Lamarr before. I wondering why she was included, but now after reading her journey I think it’s brilliant they added someone obscure and not as well known as others in the series.

One thing that stood out for me was her determination to risk all to escape a controlling relationship and make a new life for herself. Against the background and influence of Nazi Germany this was courageous and saved her life.

A woman who was born before her time, I highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn about a woman who helped break the glass ceiling in science.

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Another great book in this series! I love that this one is on Hedy Lamarr because I don't think enough people know about her, especially children.

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I was drawn to this book as although I knew that she was an actress, I had no idea how and why her life would be seen as inspirational to children.
Indeed she was a privileged child; well educated and wanting for nothing in her childhood. Furthermore, she was attractive to others and considered a beautiful young lady.
Unsurprising she was drawn to the emerging and novel world of film making and was quickly cast as an extra and identified as a promising actress.

Having read so many of the more famous and celebrity lives that easily align as role models and inspiring figures, I was slow to understand Hedy’s place in this series.

Yet this in part is what little people, big dreams is all about.

Growing up Hedy was bright and observant. She was a problem solver and natural inventor. A little genius who made notes of ideas like dog collars that would glow in the dark. This approach to science and interacting with her world never left the young girl and would surface as an adult and only be recognised after her death.

That her passion and inventive nature would remain through a film star journey is remarkable. This characteristic is truly inspiring and what we would wish for all our children to remain true to themselves and follow through with childhood dreams and realise talent.

The other thing that stood out for me was her determination to risk all to escape a controlling relationship and make a new life for herself. Against the background and influence of Nazi Germany this was courageous and saved her life.

As with all these books. An adult summary with photos helps engage the grown ups. Follow-up reading to find out more. Meanwhile, I would encourage you to return again and again with your children to this simple text and marvellous illustrations detailing a life worth remembering.

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Hedy Lamarr is a picture book that middle grade children would love! Gorgeous illustrations pack the pages showing Hedy's inventions and ambitions. Maggie Cole's drawings expand on the story and help reveal nuances in the text in a way that is perfect for curious children. Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara weaves history and culture together in a way that is easy to follow and fun to read. I recommend this book to any child or adult who wants to learn about women who helped break the glass ceiling in science!

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Very happy to see how recently Hedy Lamarr is increasingly acknowledged for her inventive talent instead of her appearance - both of which are stellar. This is the kind of message we need to pass on to young girls and boys! The illustrations accompanying this installment of the series feel a little lackluster in comparison to the content, though - I appreciate the use of traditional media, but miss the kind of detail in figure design and background that would arrest a child's eye.

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I received a free copy of Hedy Lamarr. by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Hedy Lamarr was born Hedwig in Vienna, in 1914. Hedy was a famous actress and inventor. She was a women a women born before her time.

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Yet another amazing woman I've never heard of but now have thanks to LPBD! Hedy was as beautiful as she was brilliant and while she loved making inventions, she was also training to be a glamorous actress. When she escaped to America, not only did she become a famous actress in Hollywood, her communications inventions for the US government became the basis of modern day wifi. Great person to pick for this great series!

Thanks to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

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I've always been vaguely aware of both Hedy Lamarr and this series of books but never really looked too much into either, so when this popped up as a read now option I figured why not give it a try.

I really like the style of the book - the illustrated, quick read story is great to give an overview and spark interest, and I love the inclusion of a more traditional biography at the back. I think these would be a great place to start a research project for younger children (including some of my younger secondary school students to be honest), and just generally an engaging way to learn about some interesting people.

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