Hedy and her Amazing Invention

by Jan Wahl

Published 21 February 2019
Hedy Lamarr wasn't just a famous Hollywood actress. She was also an important inventor!

In one of the first books written for children about the amazing life and work of actress and inventor Hedy Lamarr, and one of the final books written by Coretta Scott King Honor and Christopher Medal-winner Jan Wahl, readers will be entranced by all that Hedy accomplished on and off the big screen. In chapter-picture book style, Hedy and her Amazing Invention teaches kids about the pioneering scientific work and inspiring courage of Hedy Lamarr, the famous Hollywood actress who fought against old-fashioned parents, a domineering husband, prejudice, and stereotypes to become an accomplished inventor whose work helped pave the way for many of the communications technologies we enjoy today, from Wi-Fi to GPS to signal-blocking devices. Through collage-work illustrations and accessible text, Wahl and Wallace provide context to the concept of Lamarr’s most famous invention with fun and ease. This story is for anyone looking for an uplifting biography about a fearless 20th century woman who knew her worth and was determined to utilize all of her talents to make the world a better place. The first book in Penny Candy’s Amazing Women series.


In One Ear and Out the Other

by Diane Worthey

Published 6 October 2020

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

In a time when women were told they couldn't become conductors, Antonia Brico didn’t listen to discouraging words. Those words went in one ear and out the other.

The second title in Penny Candy’s Amazing Women Series of nonfiction picture books, In One Ear and Out the Other: Antonia Brico & Her Amazingly Musical Life tells the story of one woman’s fight to gain recognition as a conductor in an era when men dominated classical music. The first woman to guest-conduct the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Antonia Brico never secured a permanent conducting job with a major symphony—but her contributions paved the way for the many women conductors to follow. A true visionary in the long fight for equal opportunities for women.