Hedy Lamarr: Reimagining Radio cover

Hedy Lamarr: Reimagining Radio

Author: Borgert-Spaniol, Megan

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Middle Grades (MG 4-8)
Book Level 5.4
Points 0.5
Fiction/Nonfiction Nonfiction
Word Count 2518
Points per Word 0.000199
Page Count 32
Points per Page 0.015625

Description

In this book, learn about Hedy Lamarr, from her early career as a Hollywood actress to her invention of a frequency-hopping mechanism that is used in modern technology.

Quick Summary

If you love stories about women who shattered expectations, this quick biography of Hedy Lamarr will keep you hooked from the first page. It starts with Hedy's glamorous Hollywood debut, then pivots to her secret life as an inventor who, with a composer pal, dreamed up a frequency-hopping system that eventually made Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cell phones possible. The chapters are short and peppered with fun sidebars and cartoonish illustrations, so even the most reluctant reader can blaze through it in a couple of sittings. Parents will be glad to know the book stays age-appropriate, briefly touching on WWII and the sexism Hedy faced, but never gets too heavy or scary. If you enjoy fast-moving, fact-packed bios, you might also like the "Who Was?" series for more quick reads on cool historical figures.