First to Fly: How Wilbur and Orville Wright Invented the Airplane

I liked this book for multiple reasons. First, the book really develops the characters of Orville and Wilbur Wright. The book begins with a back ground story of the Wright family and how the brothers got into the business of creating a plane. It talks about how both brothers were printers, then created bicycles, dropped out of school, and soon became interested in creating their very own flying machine. Second, I liked the illustrations in the book, they really fit with the mood and time period that the book took place in. For example, there were actual old photographs of the Wright brothers and their family. There was also many actual pictures of multiple plane models that they created. Lastly, I liked the book because the plot flowed show more nicely at a steady pace. The book started with a background of the Wright brothers and their family, then discussed how the brothers started building planes, and finished with how they actually got a plane to fly. The big idea of this story is to not give up. The brothers failed a countless number of times but they persevered through many obstacles and reached their goals. I think it's important that children learn that failure is okay, and that reaching a goal can take a long time and giving up isn't the answer. show less

It is a picture book, but the text ans illustrations are meant to be read by older children and tweens. Excellent glimpse into the development of the airplane, but the writing is a bit dry. What makes this book interesting are the illustrations, period photos and explanatory diagrams.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked how the fly leaves were red with lighter red biplanes ghosted into it like wall paper to match the theme of the book. I liked how the historical pictures were in black and white and they contrasted with the painted illustrations of the town, which were in bright color that illustrated happiness all the way down to the little white dog with is tongue hanging out. All of the painted illustrations throughout the book were true artwork that practically jumps of the page. This really added a whole new aspect to the book. I liked how there were pictures overlaying other pictures and framed snippets of text that described things like the bicycle craze and The Flying Man. I liked how one of the framed show more excerpts was about describing how Wing-Warping Works. These little excerpts showed the progression other people’s ideas that the Wright Brothers used to spark their own inventions. At the very end of the book was a list of important dates, glossary, bibliography, picture credits and an index making this a multi-use text. The theme of the book was a biography of the Wright brothers that tells the reader how the Wright Brothers came up with the invention of the Airplane. show less

This was a great book to really engage children in the amazing feat that these men accomplished. The book had wonderful pictures, illustrations and photographs, to go along with the whole story. I really enjoyed learning more about Wilbur and Orville Wright. This book showed me that you can do anything that you put your mind to, and I believe that same message could be interpreted by the students of one of my future classes.

Loved the actual historicla pictures and the fact that the book showsWright brothers didn't just build a plane and fly as most schools make it sound. This books shows kids that you can succeed if you keep trying.

This book is informational, biographic, and Historic Realism combined. Wilbur and Orville Wright started their journey with a toy helicopter. Neither of the two finished school. As adults, the brothers worked together. They owned a bicycle shop and eventually built printing presses, bicycles, planes. They are most famous for building a plane that would change the world forever. This book has remarkable original paintings, period photographs, and detailed diagrams. The book adds some information from other important people mentioned in the book.
Personal Reaction
This is a great book. I enjoyed it. The pictures are amazing. I was astonished at how good they were. I am thankful that we have these pictures to understand how it was in show more history and are able to see what these brothers actually looked like.
Classroom Extensions
1. Using the same things the Wright brothers used; Sticks, wings and rubber bands, make an airplane.
2. Have a contest to see which plane flies the best.
3. With permission, take students on a tour to see an airplane at a small airport or watch a video of the Wright Brothers. show less

I've always been interested in the science of flight and airplanes so needless to say I really enjoyed this book. The book has so much information about the Wright brothers and how they achieved their first flight. Its also filled with diagrams, real-life pictures, and painted illustrations. This book would be great for a thematic study on social studies or biographies.