The Wright Brothers: Nose-Diving into History

Gr 6–8—A fact-filled title sure to boost the confidence of aspiring inventors. Slader and Thompson write in a conversational and understanding tone: "If at first you don't succeed…you're not the only one. In fact, you're in pretty good company." The authors incorporate a number of valuable lessons and themes into their history of the Wright brothers. Middle schoolers will benefits from the reminder that discoveries and inventions happen in fits and starts. Though the Wrights were the first to successfully invent, build, and fly the first airplane, the history of aviation is ancient. The authors go back in time and trace the long record of human attempts at flight, including the ancient Greek myth of Icarus. The book is full of amusing black-and-white illustrations and photographs, which will attract readers. Students will particularly appreciate the inclusion of the Wrights' drawings that show "wing warping," which Wilbur Wright discovered while playing with a cardboard box.