A gripping, must-read story about courage, determination, will, and resilience…
Asha and Baz’s struggle to create a successful computer code leads them on another time travel journey in Fernandez’s second installment in the Asha and Baz series. Asha and Baz are usually the first ones to solve a difficult problem, but the coding program in the computer class is proving too hard to crack. Determined to win the challenge, the pair turn to their magic stick, which transport them to Hollywood in 1941 to meet Hady Lamarr. But how will a film actress help them solve a coding program? Fernandez gives her characters distinct voices and engaging personalities: while passionate Asha and mild-mannered Baz make for endearing protagonists, it’s the fierce and highly driven Hedy who shines through and through. The secondary cast is fully realized and authentic. A subplot involving Hedy’s determination to succeed in a deeply misogynistic world unfolds through Asha and Baz’s time travel journey. The book’s many historical details are nicely woven into the story, and themes of hard-work, determination, and perseverance run throughout. The book has significant visual elements: Dharmali Patel’s meticulously detailed, subdued black and white illustrations make the text pop. There is a fair amount of diversity both acknowledged in the text and portrayed in the illustrations. Backmatter includes the historical background of Hedy Lamarr and George Antheil and a brief history of World War II and how to become an inventor. Endearing characters, intriguing storyline, and adventure make for a winning early reader tale.
Asha and Baz Meet Hedy Lamarr
Caroline Fernandez (Author), Dharmali Patel (Illustrator)
Common Deer Press
Pub date April 1, 2023
ISBN 978-1988761787
Price $7.99 (USD0 Paperback, $7.59 Kindle edition
