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Writer's pictureAimee Fuhrman

Lights! Camera! Alice!: The Thrilling True Adventures of the First Woman Filmmaker by Mara Rockliff


G (appropriate for all)

Biography picture book


Alice Guy-Blanche lived during the late 19th century in France. When her family's business suffers several catastrophes in a row, leaving the family destitute, Alice takes a job at a camera company where she is introduced to the moving picture. Captivated, Alice begins making movies. Some credit her as being the first to make a movie (as we know them today). Even if she wasn't the first, she was surely the only woman filmmaker in the world for several years. Of course, Alice was up against much opposition, not the least of which came from her being a woman. But she continued her pioneering work in America, where her movies thrived until Hollywood overshadowed her.


This picture book biography highlights an incredibly creative and visionary woman who displayed true foresight and grit. The soft color, sketch style illustrations by Simona Ciraolo add humor and historical detail. Though perfect for upper elementary, it can be enjoyed by younger and older children alike.


Themes:

  • filmmaking

  • pioneering women



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