Wright Brothers The Wright Brothers were pioneers in flight. The first to design and build a flying craft that could be controlled while in the air, the success of Orville and Wilbur Wright led to the modern age of avionics. But before their historic flight, the brothers trod a winding path of family obligation, career changes and interests that eventually led them to the air. Dropping out of high school, Orville went into the printing industry. At the same time, his brother Wilbur chose to abandon college plans to stay home and nurse his mother, who was dying of tuberculosis. Wilbur joined Orville in the printing business where they built their own press, and made a reputation for themselves not just as printers, but as press mechanics. Unable to compete with larger publications, the several newspapers started by the brothers went out of business. By 1894, Wilbur and Orville had moved into the bicycle business, repairing and selling bicycles, and in 1896 they began to manufacture their own bikes. While The Wright Cycle Company was a success, the brothers began turning their thoughts from wheels to wings. Balance: a key element in bicycling, the brothers also deduced it would be key to flying. With the papers full of accounts of flying machines, Wilbur and Orville tackled what they felt was the main obstacle in failed flight experiments: no one had developed suitable controls for the pilot to use in balancing the aircraft. After several attempts and multiple trips to both the design board and flight field, on December 17, 1903, the Wrights made the first sustained, controlled, powered flights in an airplane. Their plane, the Flyer 1, covered about 852 feet and stayed in the air for up to 59 seconds. After four successful flights, the Flyer 1 succumbed to wind gusts and was destroyed, but not before Orville and Wilbur had made aviation history. To celebrate 100 years of flight, we have pulled a collection of books on the Wright brothers, airplanes, and other famous aviators that we hope will inspire your little flyer to reach for the stars. Reviews Airborne: A Photobiography of Wilbur and Orville Wright Mary Collins    Trust National Geographic to incorporate meticulous research with excellent archival photography to create a cohesive and highly readable tribute to the Wright Brothers. These best friends and brothers come to life through a text that allows readers to admire their tenacity, plummet with their failures, and soar with their success. The author chronicles their triumph at Kitty Hawk and the intense pressure that fame placed on these two shy and very private men. She does not hesitate to elaborate on the antagonism between Orville Wright and the Smithsonian over the latter’s insistence that Langley’s Aerodrome was the first plane to fly and subsequently hung at the Institute. It was a battle Orville waged for 30 years. As the100th anniversary of the their historic flight approaches, there will be a plethora of books to mark the event. If you can only but one biography of the Wright Brothers, let it be this handsomely designed one. In words and pictures it lauds the men some called eccentric but whose dedication to an idea has had a profound effect on mankind. 2003, National Geographic Society, Ages 10 to 14, $18.95. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey Best Books: Top 10 Biographies for Youth, 2003; American Library Association-Booklist; United States ISBN: 0-7922-6957-8 Air Force One Andrew Santella     It is the traveling symbol of the United States. It is a flying White House. It is an ambassador for America. One of its predecessors, the Sacred Cow, was the birthplace of the U. S. Air Force. It stands five stories tall and is almost as long as a football field. It is Air Force One. In what could have been a straightforward account of America's most important plane, Santella weaves an interesting story of the plane's birth, development and current operations. Providing a wealth of historic context, the book walks the reader through Air Force One's development from Franklin Delano Roosevelt's historic secret flight in 1943 to World War II's Casablanca Conference, to Lyndon Johnson's swearing in after John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963, to George W. Bush's safe haven flight on September 11, 2001. Covering world and political developments, the book also details how aviation has progressed from propeller-driven modified cargo planes to today's technology-driven jumbo jets. This is an excellent resource. Middle school students will appreciate the short chapters, engaging text and interesting photos. An index and list of additional resources are likewise well done. 2003, The Millbrook Press, Ages 8 to 12, $29.95. Reviewer: Kris Sauer ISBN: 0-7613-2617-0 ISBN: 0-7613-1926-3 Air Pioneers Neil Morris     Ten pioneers in aviation are covered in Air Pioneers, including George Cayley, Louis Bleriot, Charles A. Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Amy Johnson, Igor Sikorsky, Frank Whittle and Chuck Yeager. Others worked together, such as the Wright Brothers, and John Alcock and Arthur Brown. Numerous other people get a mention in a sidebar or extended caption of the archival photographs. The text is well laid out, and report writers are assisted by the chapter headings, an index, and a glossary. The pictures are well-cropped for visual interest, and the section on early experiments with gliders, monoplanes and biplanes, are well illustrated, including an unintentionally humorous one of a multiplane with some 20 layers of wings, also called "Venetian Blind" wings with good reason. Readers will find the coverage of pioneers adequate, but there is no mention of African American Bessie Coleman or other female or male barnstormers of the era, and Earhart and Johnson are the only women mentioned. Nonetheless, it is an interesting account, as far as it goes, and immensely useful for readers who want an overview of most of the major players in aviation's history. The book is one in the "History Maker" series. 2003, Chrysalis Education/Smart Apple Media, Ages 10 to 14, $28.50. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 1-93233-381-9 The Airplane Julie L. Sinclair     This square little book with a red airplane on its glossy cover is part of the "Great Inventions" series that introduces young readers to the history and development of technology in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. In five short chapters flight aficianados can read about the Wright brothers as boys, problems with trains and autos, early experimenters with flight, the forces that make a plane work, and some of the first airplanes. A last chapter focuses on more modern planes and ends with a time line illustrated with photos of a few famous ones like the Ford Trimotor and the Concorde. Readers or browsers will probably be bemused by the picture of Otto Lilienthal dangling from his hang glider and impressed by a boyish Lindbergh smiling in front of his Spirit of St. Louis. It's a quick overview, but the simply-written text and the many (mostly) black-and-white photographs could awaken interest and lead readers to search for more information on various topics in the book. There's a Fast Facts page and directions for making a kite from newspaper (Good luck!). A glossary defines some basic words, while the website for FactHound promises links to other sites and a four-book bibliography lists some recent books on flight. Considering the price, parents and librarians might prefer to invest in two well-illustrated picture books on the same subject. 2003, Capstone, Ages 6 to 9, $22.60. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft ISBN: 0-7368-2213-5 Airplanes John Hudson Tiner     Hand-sized and modest, these squarish books feature wonderful short-captioned photos with detail enough to satisfy even the most picky looker. Text is short, and appears as paragraphs, longer picture captions, or sidebars of facts with subjects such as record-breakers, special names, terminology, historical bits, and dimensions. The Wright brothers and Lilienthal as well as many other inventors and pioneers are given mention here but the real emphasis is on machine overviews and fascinating facts. Domestic rather than military planes is the emphasis here with examples of how planes are used. The series has plenty of visual appeal for a wider age range than does the text that would challenge many third graders but work well for a less able middle school reader. A glossary and short index are included but the book's scattered organization poses a challenge for report writers without a clear sense of what they are after. That should not bother the airplane aficionado, however, who will pore over the pictures and recite interesting facts to anyone who will listen. "Let's Investigate Transportation" series. 2004, Creative Education, Ages 8 to 12, $16.95. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 1-58341-258-1 Airplane Adventures Karen and Glen Bledsoe    Armchair adventurers can relive the amazing exploits of the Wright Brothers and their extraordinary success at Kitty Hawk; included also are Louis Bleriot's daring flight across the English Channel, Alcock and Brown's non-stop adventure across the Atlantic, and the long distance endurance flights of the legendary Lindbergh and Earhart. Related in a style that is chatty and breezy, the adventures of these early pioneers of aviation will instill in readers a sense of awe and admiration. There is a history of early airplanes followed by accounts of more recent aeronautic accomplishments such as Chuck Yeager' breaking of the sound barrier and the 1986 around the world, non-stop flight of Rutan and Yeager. Lest young readers feel that there is nothing left to conquer, the authors finish with record-breaking adventures planned for the 21st century. Clear photos, both recent and archival, fill the pages and the format and subject matter makes this appealing to the most reluctant reader. A timeline and bibliography are appended to this entry in the “Dangerous Adventures” series. 2002, Capstone Press, Ages 8 to 12, $21.26. Reviewer: Beverley Fahey ISBN: 0-7368-0903-1 An Airport Melissa Gish     Traveling by airplane is an exciting adventure, and often can be a very frustrating event. Finding a parking place in the large parking garage, getting your luggage checked in and tagged, and clearing the security gates before boarding your plane, can all make you weary before you even begin your journey. The photographs of a typical airport, the machines that are used to scan luggage, and examples of airport personnel on the job make this truly a "field trip." Throughout the book, glossary is introduced in bold print. Classroom activities are included, as well as a brief glossary, index, and Web links. This is one of several titles in the "Field Trip" series. The other titles include A Newspaper and A Dairy Farm. Recommended for reluctant middle school readers. 2004, Smart Apple Media, Ages 8 to 12, $21.35. Reviewer: Joyce Rice ISBN: 1-58340-322-1 Amazing Aircraft Seymour Simon    Seymour Simon has built his reputation developing nonfiction books for kids. This new series, "See More Readers," brings a wealth of factual information to young readers. The urge of man to take to the skies is detailed with pictures and facts about a variety of crafts ranging from a single person glider to supersonic stealth fighters. Kids who want an introduction to flight will find plenty here. The first flight occurred in 1783 in a hot air balloon; the next most significant was a machine powered flight developed in 1903 by the Wright Brothers. If you want a little factoid to understand how quickly flight has developed in 100 years--Simon notes that today's Boeing 747 is longer than the distance of the Wright Brothers' first flight. He also concludes with data about the speeds today's planes have achieved and how aircraft have "shrunk the world." Excellent full-color photographs clearly depict the variety of aircraft. A good addition to a home or school library. 2002, SeaStar, Ages 6 to 8, $13.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot Awards, Honors, Prizes: Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Honor Book 2002 Science-Grades K-6 United States ISBN: 1-5871-7179-1 ISBN: 1-5871-7180-5 Amazing Flights: The Golden Age Ole Steen Hansen     "The Story of Flight" series celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight and presents the history of aviation. Full-color illustrations and photographs show aviation's greatest moments, famous pilots, and numerous aircraft. This entry deals with the many triumphs of airplanes and their pilots, such as barnstormers (with a vignette of American Bessie Coleman), Lindberg's first transatlantic flight, the mail planes of the desert, going over the poles, a famous plane race from Mindenhall, England, to Melbourne, Australia, flying over Mt. Everest, and the first around-the-world flights. Three famous women fliers are profiled, Amy Johnson, Jean Batten, and Amelia Earhart. Numerous small pictures with accompanying text break up the pages and encourage browsing and scanning. Each volume ends with a spotters' guide showing a series of relevant planes and listing their specs, such as country of origin, description, length, wingspan, and speed that invites readers to compare planes and their usage. An index and glossary, but no Web sites, are included. This series is bound to appeal to boy readers and its format encourages less able readers to dip in, as well. For those interested in barnstorming, don't miss Nikki Grimes' Talkin'about Bessie: The Story of Aviator Elizabeth Coleman (Orchard, 2003). BIBLIO: 2003, Crabtree Publishing Company, Ages 9 to 14, $8.95 and $17.94. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0-7787-1218-4 ISBN: 0-7787-1202-8 Amelia Earhart Wil Mara    With only about one to three sentences per page, this small size biography, one of the series “Rookie Biographies,” tells the story of the famed flyer’s life. Amelia Earhart was born in 1897, at just the right time to participate in the pioneering days of airplane flight. Beginning with the question, “Did you ever dream of flying an airplane?” the simple text does an excellent job of capturing her determination and courageousness. Each double page spread includes one large black and white photograph, useful to convey additional information in such a low reading level book. Somewhat ambiguously, however, the photograph accompanying the last page of text, (describing Earhart’s disappearance and apparent death while flying over the Pacific Ocean,) shows her riding through a ticker tape parade. This may lead some children to question whether or not Earhart returned from that flight. The book includes a photo glossary--words with pictures of the items, and an index. A bibliography and a list of Internet resources would have been welcome additions. In spite of the mentioned flaws, this book would be a welcome addition to the growing collection of biographies aimed at beginning readers. 2002, Children’s Press, Ages 7 to 9, $19.00. Reviewer: Leslie Rounds ISBN: 0-516-22522-7 Amelia Earhart Lola M. Schaefer    With only about one to three sentences per page, this small size biography, one of the series “First Biographies,” tells the story of the famed flyer’s life. Amelia Earhart was born in 1897, at just the right time to participate in the pioneering days of airplane flight. This book does not do quite as good a job as the “Rookie Biography” version of Earhart’s life at capturing her determination and courageousness. The facts of her life are reported rather dryly, and without an enthusiasm that might spark further interest by young readers. Each double page spread includes a full page black and white photograph, useful to convey additional information in such a low reading level book. A nice feature is a timeline along the bottom of the pages that places events in Earhart’s life into an easy to understand order. The book also includes a bibliography, glossary, index, and a list of up to date Internet sites for additional research. In spite of the somewhat flat nature of the writing, this book would be a welcome addition to the growing collection of biographies aimed at beginning readers. 2003, Capstone Press, Ages 7 to 9, $14.60. Reviewer: Leslie Rounds ISBN: 0-7368-1433-7 ISBN: 0-7368-9408-X Amelia Earhart: Aviation Pioneer Cynthia Klingel     A striking black-and-white photo of Amelia Earhart immediately draws one into the book. Tall, lean, and photogenic, she has the looks of a fashion model, not an adventuresome airplane pilot who would become the first women to fly cross country and back in the United States and then set off to fly around the world. In this edition of the series, "Spirit of America," the author captures Earhart's spirit and treats the reader to some interesting tidbits, which bring her character to life. As a girl, Earhart and her sister wore bloomers and were encouraged to explore the outdoors, shoot rats, and work with their grandfather's tools. As an adult, she designed a line of clothing--women's fashions suitable for wearing to fly an airplane. Each page contains at least one photo, some black and white, others in color, all well placed and pertinent to the story. A timeline in the back matter serves as a reflection of our heroine's many accomplishments. Library bound, the book includes useful information--a glossary, further resource information about Earhart, and an index--that will prove useful for the middle-grade researcher or book reporter. 2004, The Child's World, Ages 9 to 12, $27.07. Reviewer: Susan Schott Karr ISBN: 1-59296-000-6 Amelia Earhart: Legend of Flight Lynda Pflueger     Many books about Amelia Earhart deal with her mysterious disappearance in 1937. This biography focuses on much more than that. It begins in 1932, when Earhart became the first woman pilot to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. From there, Pflueger goes back to the time before Earhart was born, describing how her parents (Amy Otis and Edwin Earhart) met and what they were like, since understanding their backgrounds and their relationship is key to understanding the free-spirited young daughter they would have. Pflueger takes the reader through every step of Amelia Earhart's childhood and teenage years, when her father was an alcoholic and moved the family around quite a bit, then details how Amelia developed her love for flying. Black-and-white photos, maps, charts, a timeline, and Amelia's own words help give a well-rounded view of this famous woman who loved her family and flying and inspired women everywhere to take chances and follow their dreams. An excellent resource for the classroom and an interesting read for those who enjoy biographies and history. Part of the "Historical American Biographies" series. 2003, Enslow Publishers, Ages 8 to 12, $20.95. RReviewer: Suzanne Lieurance ISBN: 0-7660-1976-4 Amelia Earhart: More than a Flier Patricia Lakin Illustrations by Alan Daniel and Lea Daniel     In a colorfully illustrated forty-eight pages, Patricia Lakin shows Amelia Earhart as a person, and not only as the first female aviator to fly solo. The five chapters are short, beginning with Amelia's early life in Atchison, Kansas. Even at a young age, Amelia was an independent child who wanted the same opportunities as boys. Lakin shows the daring Amelia, whizzing down steep slopes on her sled or playing sports with the boys. Chapter two talks about Amelia's family problems that included moves to different places and very little money to support the family. One day, an older Amelia sought out pilots flying their planes, and became so fascinated that she wanted to do the same thing. She began flying lessons and worked hard to save money for her own plane, a yellow plane she named Canary. In addition to being a pilot, Amelia was a social worker. Amelia's dream was to fly solo across the Atlantic just like Charles Lindbergh had done, which she achieved in 1932. When Amelia was almost forty years old, she wanted to fly around the world. Fred Noonan, her navigator, and Amelia left on their trip on June 1, 1937 and were never seen again. While no one knows what happened to them, the book ends on a positive note, stating that Amelia followed her dreams and was always true to herself. 2003, Aladdin Paperbacks, Ages 6 to 8, $3.99. Reviewer: Della A. Yannuzzi ISBN: 0-689-85575-3 ISBN: 0-689-85576-1 At the Controls: The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Book of Cockpits Photography by Eric F. Long and Mark A. Avino Edited by Tom Alison and Dana Bell    This is a book of gorgeous color photographs, accompanied by succinct, detailed descriptions of airplane and spacecraft cockpits. They range from the Wright Brothers' rudimentary airplane to NASA's Space Shuttle Columbia. The images, by two Smithsonian photographers, are of craft in the collection of the National Air and Space Museum. They are "designed to give the reader an up-close-and-personal sense of just what the pilot's "office" looks like in each of these craft." The book's audience includes everyone from pilot-wannabes to future astronauts to aircraft enthusiasts--from young teens to adults. The language is somewhat technical, the writing is for advanced readers, but the photos are accessible to all. 2001, Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum/The Boston Mills Press, Ages 12 up, $39.95. Reviewer: Ellen R. Butts ISBN: 1-5504-6365-9 Aviation Century: The Early Years Ron Dick & Dan Patterson     On December 17, 1903 at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the Wright brothers staged the first successful flight of a heavier-than-air aircraft. That test flight opened the curtain to a century in which air travel became a common feature of daily life. In The Early Years Ron Dick and Dan Peterson kick off an ambitious five-volume history of aviation in the twentieth century. In this exhaustive work the authors combine a highly detailed and well-researched text with an array of breathtaking illustrations. Indeed, it is often the illustrations featuring period photographs and drawings that capture the reader's attention to the highest degree. Here, the story of aviation's initial evolution is presented in three distinct parts. First, the creators of this fascinating book recount the pioneering efforts of aviators such as the Wright brothers, Louis Bleriot, and Gianni Caproni. Then, the authors turn their attention to an extensive recounting of the role aircraft played in the fighting of World War I. Finally, the authors' focus on the emergence of commercial airlines during the all too brief inter-war period. In each of these three chapters the authors show both a steady literary hand and an eye for exciting detail. This is the story of fighter pilots, barnstormers, and those men and women who were internally driven to overcome mankind's inability to take off and fly. Their story is a brilliant one and it is quite well told in this impressive volume. 2003, Boston Mills Press, Ages 14 up, $39.95. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck ISBN: 1-55046-407-8 Born To Fly Shane Osborn Adapted by Michael French     Shane Osborn realizes at a young age that he wants to fly. A positive attitude and dogged determination help him overcome a number of serious obstacles including a near-fatal car accident and the divorce of his parents. "That early determination would be put to plenty of tests in the years to come, but my dream never changed." This biographical nonfiction story about U.S. Navy Pilot Lt. Shane Osborn highlights the many strong character traits that eventually lead him to an act of heroism in the eyes of the world. Black and white photos provide an important link with Osborn's early life and subsequent career. While recommended for young people interested in pursuing an aviation career in the Navy there is a caveat to reading this adaptation. Initial chapters tend to be weighed down with choppy details and troublesome transitions. This slows reading progress until the actual encounter and subsequent collision with a Chinese F-8 II fighter while on a U.S. surveillance mission through international airspace. "A harsh, abrasive chattering filled the cockpit. . . . The unimaginable had happened. The pilot had just smashed his plane into ours." The story picks up speed at this point to focus attention on Osborn's extraordinary discipline and courage. His exceptional skills and rugged training help him land his crippled plane saving the lives of all crewmates. With classroom discussion, this book can be a springboard for understanding the value of endurance, self-discipline, patriotism and a strong work ethic. 2003, Dell Yearling/Random House, Ages 10 to 14, $5.50. Reviewer: Francine Thomas ISBN: 0-440-23796-3 Charles Lindbergh and the Spirit of St. Louis Dominick A. Pisano and Robert Van Der Linden    Reeve Lindbergh , son of the famous pilot Charles Lindbergh, points out in the forward of this thoughtful book that his father piloted many other planes for many more flight hours. Indeed, Lindbergh and his wife, Anne Morrow, made historic exploratory flights in the 1930’s, charting air routes all over the globe. But when the world thinks of Charles Lindbergh, it is always in connection with the Spirit of St. Louis. “They just keep flying me to Paris,” Lindbergh said, and he referred to himself and his plane as “we.” So the authors set out to write about the man and the plane, each in context of the other. This finely written and well researched book is important since it is a biography of man and plane: how Lindbergh supervised the design and building of a plane so reliable that it landed in Paris with enough fuel to go a thousand miles more, how that flight changed a complicated and private man into a celebrity, and how that celebrity status shadowed his actions and beliefs for the rest of his life. When Lindbergh gave the Spirit of St. Louis to the Smithsonian, he stipulated that it should always be on display. The afterword is fascinating account of how the plane was towed through the streets of Washington, meticulously restored, and hung in the National Air and Space Museum, becoming second in popularity only to the Wright flyer. Extensive text makes this more appropriate for older or adult readers, but combined with plenty of new and vintage photographs, charts and more, this book is a worthwhile read or reference. 2002, Harry N. Abrams, Ages 12 to adult, $22.95. Reviewer: Judy Crowder ISBN: 0-8109-0552-3 Commercial Aviation Ole Steen Hansen     "The Story of Flight" series celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight and presents the history of aviation. Full-color illustrations and photographs show aviation's greatest moments, famous pilots, and numerous aircraft. This entry deals with airplanes after World War I that were used for supplying the military and the rise of passenger airplanes from the early unheated ones to the jets and 747s of today's airplanes. Readers will recognize some of the big names in airplane manufacture, such as Lockheed and Boeing, but the book also covers manufacturers and airlines outside of the United States. A double-page spread mentions the kinds of motored vehicles that support these large planes at airports, such as supply vehicles, mobile stairways, fuel tankers, and plane tugs, which will please boy gear-heads. Numerous small pictures with accompanying text break up the pages and encourage browsing and scanning. Each volume ends with a spotters' guide showing a series of relevant planes and listing their specs, such as country of origin, description, length, wingspan, and speed that invites readers to compare planes and their usage. An index and glossary, but no Web sites, are included. This series is bound to appeal to boy readers and its format encourages less able readers to dip in, as well. 2003, Crabtree Publishing Company, Ages 9 to 14, $8.95 and $17.94. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0-7787-1221-4 ISBN: 0-7787-1205-2 The Explosion Zone - The Wright Brothers: Pioneers of Flight Ian Graham Illustrated by David Antram     For many people the very idea that humans would ever be able to fly in the air in some kind of machine was preposterous. By the late 1800's it seemed as if the fields of Europe and America were littered with the remains of heavier-than-air flying machines that had crashed during failed flying attempts. All too often men tried to create contraptions that copied birds with wings that flapped. Then a small number of inventors took a different route, they looked at the wings of birds and built gliders. One of the first of these men was a German by the name of Otto Lilienthall. He successfully flew gliders and his successes encouraged two young men in Dayton, Ohio to gather as much information as they could about flight. From there they began experimenting with gliders of various kinds, trying to find out which kind of wings worked the best. Wilbur and Orville Wright had been working with their hands since they were boys, so building a glider was not hard for them. They took their oversized kite to a place called Kill Devil Hills on the North Carolina coast where they could be sure there would be lots of wind, few trees, and few spectators, and got to work testing their glider. It worked so well that they decided that it was time to make one that was big enough to carry a man. What followed was a series of gliders, each with its own problems that had to be overcome. There were crashes and set-backs of many kinds and yet progress was made. Ultimately their path of successes led the brothers to build The Flyer, the machine which carried Orville to fly the first powered manned flight on December 17th 1903. With bright and amusing illustrations, this "Explosion Zone" book offers an entertaining narrative about the lives of the extraordinary Wright brothers, and also explains the principles behind the science of flight. It offers several activities for the reader to try, a glossary of the aeronautical words used in the book, an index, and always interesting little details about the people who were involved in this wonderful true story of "simple boys find greatness and realize their dream." 2003, Barron's Educational Series, Ages 8 to 12, $6.95. Reviewer: Marya Jansen-Gruber ISBN: 0-7641-2591-5 Fantastic Flights: One Hundred Years of Flying on the Edge Patrick O'Brien     In double-page format, with an illustration of the airplane under discussion on the left and a double column of information on the right, O'Brien informs readers of landmark flights of the last century. Each right hand page is also bordered with specifications for the particular plane, of length and wingspan, and an interesting tidbit or two. Covered are Cal Rodger's ill-fated, cross-country flight on the Vin Fiz in l911; John Alcock and Arthur Brown's first trans-Atlantic flight in l9l9; Richard Byrd's flight over the South Pole in l929; Lindbergh's more famous trans-Atlantic flight 8 years after Alcock/Brown's; Wiley Post; the Hindenburg; Earhart's last flight; the mammoth Spruce Goose of Howard Hughes; and on to supersonic flights, jets, rockets, the pedal-powered gliders, and the Mars landing. This is a good compact overview of the ways flight has changed, as well as an introduction to aviation pioneers and their accomplishments. Endmatter includes a "Where Are They Now" section telling where readers can see the original aircraft and a bibliography, including three Web sites. Endpapers show the 17 flight vehicles to scale in relationship to each other, a nice touch that readers will study. There is no index but the information is easily locatable, given the book's format. 2003, Walker & Company, Ages 8 to 12, $17.95. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0-8027-8880-7 ISBN: 0-8027-8881-5 Feathers, Flaps & Flops: Fabulous Early Fliers Bo Zaunders Illustrated by Roxie Munro    Short, punchy, partial biographies of eight dynamic personalities illuminate the early days of flying. Zaunders presents the Montgolfier brothers, who invented the hot air balloon; Bessie Coleman, the first African-American female pilot in an age when female pilots were rare; Beryl Markham, who made the first east to west crossing of the Atlantic after a career of short-haul flights in Africa; and "Wrong Way" Corrigan, who wanted so badly to make the transatlantic flight but was prohibited by flight regulations (and a claptrap airplane), and therefore ostensibly flew from New York to Los Angeles, but instead went the wrong way, as he put it--to Ireland. These personalities contributed much to the early days of flying and only two of the eight died behind the throttle of a plane, the rest living into old age. Nonetheless, the vignettes are rife with horrible crashes, airborne fires, malfunctioning engines, and enough mishaps and hardships to thrill even the most jaded reader. The opening four-page spread encapsulates the history of flying from a 1507 Icarus-like attempt to the Moon Walk. Munro's pleasant watercolors feature an interesting variety of shape and detail, giving the book a light and approachable look, which will appeal to young readers as well as less able older readers. A short list of source books for each flier represent adult reading, so that teachers may wish to do a little research to turn up notable children's books, such as Russell Freedman's biography of the Wright Brothers, Julie Cummins' story about the daredevil pilot Blanche Stuart Scott told in Tomboy of the Air, Don Brown's Ruth Law Thrills a Nation, or Louise Borden's biography of Bessie Coleman. 2001, Dutton, Ages 8 to 12, $17.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler Best Books: School Library Journal Book Review Stars, July 2001; Cahners; United States School Library Journal: Best Books, 2001; Cahners; United States   ISBN: 0-525-46466-2 First Flight: The Story of Tom Tate and the Wright Brothers George Shea Pictures by Don Bolognese     One hundred years ago, the Wright Brothers made a successful controlled flight at Kitty Hawk, NC. It didn't happen overnight and it didn't happen without mishaps and lots of hard work. Orville and Wilbur had built a flying machine--a glider--and young Tom Tate wanted to fly. He got his chance. His father and uncle were helping the Wright brothers. It was 1900 and the brothers were trying to perfect their flying machine. They came back the next year, but still had problems. In 1912 they were back again and this time they knew they wanted their machine to be powered by an engine so that they could control the flight. Then in 1903, they succeeded, and Tom was witness to it all. The author's note at the end is a very nice touch. 2003, HarperCollins, Ages 4 to 8, $13.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-06-024503-4 ISBN: 0-06-024504-2 ISBN: 0-06-444215-2 First Flight Kelly Baysura    Many young children are interested in learning about flying machines but cannot find a book that gives them the information they want in a format that is manageable. This book is part of a series on flight that is aimed specifically at younger readers. Starting with the Wright brothers, Baysura provides a very simple explanation of the development of aircraft. Vocabulary is introduced in bold print throughout the text, then definitions are offered in a glossary. A large photograph accompanies every page of text and is explained in a short blurb in the margin. Each nugget of information is built into a concise paragraph that is suitable for a primary grade student. Bi-planes, tri-planes, hydroplanes, warplanes, and propeller planes are among the interesting machines presented in the text. The author introduces the idea of navigation and radio transmission as modern improvements in the world of flight. Background knowledge can be elicited from children as they read about flight shows and sightseeing plane rides. This is a useful informational text for young readers that can be read aloud or given to an independent reader. Part of the "Flying Machines" series. 2001, Rourke Publishing, Ages 6 to 10, $18.60. Reviewer: Carol Lynch ISBN: 1-5895-2001-7 First to Fly: How Wilbur and Orville Wright Invented the Airplane Peter Busby Paintings by David Craig     It is hard to imagine a world without the airplane. These extraordinary machines shape our lives in so many ways. They also shaped the lives of two remarkable and visionary young men. The Wright brothers came from a happy and lively family. Their mother encouraged their tendency to tinker with and take apart machines. It really could not have been a surprise to anyone that the brothers ended up running and owning a store that built and repaired bicycles. The brothers were soon able to pursue their boyhood interest in "the problem of mechanical and human flight." They began simply, working with kites and then moving up to gliders. The brothers understood that they had to fully understand the physical concepts of flight before they could build a flying machine. Once they had a glider that worked they tried putting a man in one and soon they had achieved this goal. From there they added a small engine to the equation. What the author of this attractive book gives his readers is a very personal look into the personalities of the Wright brothers. They were quiet and determined, unwilling to give up when things went wrong. There were numerous crashes and setbacks, which could very easily have put these young men off, and yet they kept on going, always hopeful that they would one day succeed in their efforts to build a flying machine. Filled with wonderful photographs, illustrations, and full-page paintings, this is a truly impressive tribute to the Wright brothers and their extraordinary achievements. 2003, Crown Publishers, Ages 8 up, $19.95. Reviewer: Marya Jansen-Gruber ISBN: 0-375-81287-3 Flight Ian Graham    In a little less than one hundred years, aviation has progressed from an experimental process to an everyday fact of life. When the Wright brothers made their first flight it lasted twelve seconds and covered approximately 120 feet. A modern 747-jet airliner is so large that the entire Wright brothers' flight could have been contained in the jumbo jet's fuselage. Mankind has taken the scientific concepts of lift, drag and thrust and created an armada of airplanes, each of which has unique features. Military jet fighters travel at nearly 1,400 miles per hour and are flown by highly trained pilots. Stealth technology allows some modern jet aircraft to fly undetected because of their amazing construction. In the future, passengers may ride in rocket-powered aircraft that will skirt the upper reaches of the atmosphere at over 6,000 miles per hour. With this handy illustrated book, readers with an interest in flight will be in for a treat. The author presents some of the key developments in manned aircraft in an easy-to-understand fashion. Sections about safety, flight principles, military usage and many other areas are brought to life through a steady narrative and numerous visual images. This informative book provides a good introduction to the fascinating topic of flight. 2001, Kingfisher, Ages 8 to 10, $16.95. Reviewer: Greg M. Romaneck Best Books: Middle and Junior High School Library Catalog, Supplement to the Eighth Edition, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States ISBN: 0753453266 Flight: The Trials and Triumphs of Air Pioneers Reg Grant     From Leonardo da Vinci's flying machine to extreme aircraft, this book traces the great strides made in flight and the personalities behind the innovations. Readers get vivid accounts of why it took strong nerves and an even stronger stomach on some of the early commercial flights. Sections on Charles Lindbergh, Manfred von Richthofen (the Red Baron), and other aviation pioneers present short tidbits on individual contributions. But the design of the book often competes with the text for attention. In some spreads, background images obscure the text, making reading quite difficult. Boxed call-outs with the heading "Weird World" seem like a failed gimmick, since the facts included are hardly weird (although sometimes interesting). Luckily, the majority of the spreads are clean, with powerful images to support the text. An informal writing style, an appealing digest-size and sound information make this a good introduction to flight history. It is just unfortunate that the book's design distracts from the reading. 2003, Dorling Kindersley, Ages 8 to 12, $5.99. Reviewer: Linda Johns ISBN: 0-7894-9702-6 ISBN: 0-7894-9223-7 The Flyers Allan Drummond     When Orville and Wilbur Wright first arrive in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, with their "crazy kites" and "flying machines," they inspire a young boy and his friends to their own flights of imagination in this picture book of historical fiction. The whimsically-illustrated story flip-flops from the simple recounting of actual facts and steps in the development of controlled and sustained flight--always prefaced by the fictional child narrator as "The Wright brothers say…"--to fanciful imaginings of what the children would do in their own flying machines, from "sky buses" that could carry hundreds of people around the world to an unbelievable machine that could go to the moon. The joke, of course, is that all of the children's "impossible" ideas actually happened and were only possible because of the work of these two aviation pioneers. Readers will love the kid-oriented explanations of the Wright brothers' engineering innovations, along with the charming, airy watercolors. 2003, Frances Foster Books/Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Ages 4 to 8, $16.00. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree ISBN: 0-374-32410-7 Flying Higher: The Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II Wanda Langley    The author grew up near the airfield in Sweetwater, Texas and used stories that she heard to develop this informative book. The war in 1943 created a need for pilots, and the answer came from recruiting and training Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). Despite prejudice and discrimination, the air legend, Jackie Cochran, organized and promoted them. The women pilots were determined and dedicated in the sometimes hazardous and deadly flight assignments. They flew many aircrafts that some men did not want to fly. Interesting tidbits of information are included; some material comes from interviews of these pilots by the author, personal information and insiders' details. This book is a recommended nonfiction inclusion due to the lack of material on the subject. It may have a select group of interested readers, but it is worth the investment. 2002, Linnet Books, Ages 12 up, $25.00. Reviewer: Naomi Butler ISBN: 0-208-02506-5 Incredible Paper Flying Machines Norman Schmidt     This aim of this imaginative 'hands-on' book is to give kids of all ages the chance to build paper airplanes while learning about the history of aviation, the principles of flight and the inventors and engineers who figured it all out. Each is modeled after a significant aircraft in an era of development, from the fanciful (such as Leonardo da Vinci's ornithopter or Montgolfier's spectacular 1783 hot air balloon) to the more modern and practical (such as Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis or NASA's space shuttle). Not all of the models will actually fly, but all will provide the model-builder or aviation buff with a fascinating mobile or shelf display. Although complete assembly directions are given, as well as exploded diagrams with cutout photography, it should be mentioned that construction of the models requires a steady hand and some experience. If a child wishes to build the models, he or she will definitely need adult assistance. 2003, Sterling Publishing Company, Ages 10 to Adult, $7.95. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree ISBN: 1-895569-55-9 ISBN: 1-895569-37-0 Into the Air: The Story of the Wright Brothers' First Flight Robert Burleigh Illustrated by Bill Wylie    In full-color graphic novel style, this information-driven biography tells of the adult Wright Brothers and their cycle shop in Dayton, Ohio, used as their base for tinkering with gliders in hopes of flying. "Orv" and "Will" talk and joke while they take their first attempt to Kitty Hawk in 1900 and keep improving the design over the next three years--curving the wing, balancing by swiveling of hips, experimenting in homemade wind tunnels, and testing out their engineering. The action-packed cartoons make use of rectangular frames but most are broken by images, turned askew, or varied in some way as to keep visual interest high as the brothers' plane eventually stays aloft under its own power for about a minute. An afterward informs readers that it took five more years before the government became interested and that Wilbur died in 1912 but Orville lived to 1948 to see the "Age of Flight" develop. It is a compelling way to interest young readers in the topic but features none of the trappings of a traditional nonfiction or biography, such as timelines, index, or related readings. While Katherine Wright played a part in her brothers' work, she is not really a part of the visuals, making this an all-male story. The snappy series will entice readers to learn without knowing they are so engaged and it belongs on the shelves alongside other, more complete, biographies. After reading this one, the information-seeker may be motivated to seek out a more-text driven book on the subject of interesting flights--and there are many. Part of the "American Heroes" series. 2002, Silver Whistle/Harcourt, Ages 7 to 12, $16.00. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 01520249 Kevin Takes a Trip Liesbet Slegers    Preschooler Kevin and his grandma are taking a trip on an airplane. Kevin’s initial excitement turns to tears upon takeoff. His stuffed bear soon reassures him, though, and the variety of things to do and people to meet while airborne make for a pleasant trip. Toddlers will enjoy the kid-centric journey; important details such as how Kevin goes to the potty en route are not overlooked. Roly-poly Kevin is the center of most of the illustrations, while grownups are seen only from the knees down. Adults may wonder how the equally roly-poly plane gets off the ground, and they may quibble with the heavily-laden food cart, given the current state of the travel industry. Jolly, brightly colored paintings on sturdy tagboard pages and exuberant text translated from the Belgian make this a good choice to pack in a youngster’s carry-on for that first airplane ride. 2002, Kane/Miller, Ages 2 to 4, $7.95. Reviewer: Norah Piehl ISBN: 1-929132-30-1 Military Aircraft of WWI Ole Steen Hansen     "The Story of Flight" series celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight and presents the history of aviation. Full-color illustrations and photographs show aviation's greatest moments, famous pilots, and numerous aircraft. This entry deals with airplanes of WWI and the evolution of the plane from a mere reconnaissance machine to a fighting machine. Two-page entries on such subjects as European flying aces and the American Eddie Rickenbacker, a short entry on the famous Red Baron, and the development of aircraft carriers bring readers into the action. Numerous small pictures with accompanying text break up the pages and encourage browsing and scanning. Each volume ends with a spotters' guide showing a series of relevant planes and listing their specs, such as country of origin, description, length, wingspan, and speed that invites readers to compare planes and their usage. An index and glossary, but no Web sites, are included. This series is bound to appeal to boy readers and its format encourages less able readers to dip in, as well. 2003, Crabtree Publishing Company, Ages 9 to 14, $8.95 and $17.94. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0-7787-1217-6 ISBN: 0-7787-1201-X Military Aircraft of WWII Ole Steen Hansen     "The Story of Flight" series celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight and presents the history of aviation. Full-color illustrations and photographs show aviation's greatest moments, famous pilots, and numerous aircraft. This entry deals mostly with planes used in the European conflict, the British Royal Air Force, the Luftwaffe, the Battle of Britain, and reconnaissance. Women get a mention, too, but the only named one is Soviet ace, Lilya Litvyak, who flew 168 missions and shot down 12 German planes before being killed in combat at 21. The war in the Pacific and in the deserts of North Africa get a double-page spread as well. Readers will recognize some of the big names in airplane manufacture, such as Lockheed and Boeing, but the book also covers manufacturers and airlines outside of the United States. A double-page spread mentions the kinds of motored vehicles that support these large planes at airports, such as supply vehicles, mobile stairways, fuel tankers, and plane tugs, which will please boy gear-heads. Numerous small pictures with accompanying text break up the pages and encourage browsing and scanning. Each volume ends with a spotters' guide showing a series of relevant planes and listing their specs, such as country of origin, description, length, wingspan, and speed that invites readers to compare planes and their usage. An index and glossary, but no Web sites, are included. This series is bound to appeal to boy readers and its format encourages less able readers to dip in, as well. 2003, Crabtree Publishing Company, Ages 9 to 14, $8.95 and $17.94. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0-7787-1219-2 ISBN: 0-7787-1203-6 Modern Military Aircraft Ole Steen Hansen     "The Story of Flight" series celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight and presents the history of aviation. Full-color illustrations and photographs show aviation's greatest moments, famous pilots, and numerous aircraft. This entry deals with airplanes of the Cold War, defined as the period from 1945 to the early 1990s. Two-page entries on such subjects as spy flights, interceptors, and wars such as the Gulf, Vietnam, and Korean wars, search and rescue, and smart planes bring readers into the action. Numerous small pictures with accompanying text break up the pages and encourage browsing and scanning. Each volume ends with a spotters' guide showing a series of relevant planes and listing their specs, such as country of origin, description, length, wingspan, and speed that invites readers to compare planes and their usage. An index and glossary, but no Web sites, are included. This series is bound to appeal to boy readers and its format encourages less able readers to dip in, as well. 2003, Crabtree Publishing Company, Ages 9 to 14, $8.95 and $17.94. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0-7787-1220-6 ISBN: 0-7787-1224-4 My Brothers' Flying Machine Jane Yolen Illustrated by Jim Burke    In this beautifully illustrated, sturdy picture book, the well-known story of the Wright Brothers and their flying machine is told through the eyes of their little sister, Katharine. The book opens at the moment the idea seeds itself in Wilbur and Orville's minds, when their father brings home a small flying toy powered by a twisted rubber band. Katharine tells young readers many fascinating details of the fraternal collaboration that begins that day, culminating in the successful flight at Kitty Hawk. The reader also learns about the important contributions Katharine made to her brothers' team effort over the years. The accompanying full-color oil paintings illustrate the story stunningly, with well-selected period details, and rendered in warm, early-1900s hues. Although most of the book concerns the support Katharine gave her famous brothers in her teens and adulthood, Burke's cover art features a full-color portrait of a Katharine as a very young girl, which could easily mislead readers as to the nature of the story between the covers. Yolen's prose varies within the text from lyrical to informational, but the stylistic unevenness doesn't seem to hinder the clarity of her storytelling...and it's a great story she tells. 2003, Little Brown and Company, Ages 6 to 10, $16.95. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree ISBN: 0316971596 The Noisy Airplane Ride Mike Downs Illustrations by David Gordon    Get ready to take off; it is going to be a noisy ride! Here is a book begging to be read aloud to a captivated audience. The commercial pilot author takes readers on an airplane trip by introducing a sound to start each page. The WUSSHHH of the vent above the seat, the CLUNK of the wheels going up, the DING of the seat belt sign, and many other noises of airline travel are followed by short rhyming text. With, upbeat, fast-paced, positive sentences, it will keep the youngest listener interested, and help all be familiar and unafraid of the plane environment. The illustrations are big and boldly colored; a good match for the strength of the text. A section at the back of the book gives more detailed information about other things you might see, hear, and feel on an airplane. 2003, Tricycle Press, Ages 2 to 6, $14.95. Reviewer: Barbara Kennedy ISBN: 1-58246-091-4 Our Neighbor is a Strange, Strange Man Tres Seymour Pictures by Walter Lyon Krudop    Mr. Murrell is a peculiar man--he reads as he walks down the road, lives alone in a big house high on a hill, watches birds, draws incomprehensible diagrams, and to top it all off, builds a flying machine. To the surprise of the narrator (a neighbor child), and the rest of the townspeople, the flying machine works. The book's purpose is essentially to set the record straight about who built the first airplane--according to a brief factual epilogue, it was Melville Murrell and not the Wright brothers. This is an interesting historical tidbit, but since the story goes no farther than this and the characters are developed not at all (all we know of Mr. Murrell is that he is considered strange and all we know of the narrator is that he considers Mr. Murrell strange), it does not work very well as fiction. 1999, Orchard Books, Ages 4 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Gwendolyn Bradley ISBN: 0531301079 ISBN: 0531331075 Planes Fiona Patchett Illustrations by Colin King, Mark Ruffle and Jan McNee     What planes look like, how big some of them are, what an airport is like and how planes fly are some of the topics covered in this nonfiction reader that is part of the "Usborne Beginners" series. It is quite up-to-date, noting the check-in process, security checks and use of the autopilot. Most readers will be happy to know that either the pilot or copilot must be in the cockpit. The role of air traffic controllers, the reason planes fly above the clouds (less bumpy) and avoidance of storms as well as the landing process are among the issues the author describes. While nothing is covered in depth, there is a surprising amount of information, all liberally illustrated. The book has a table of contents, glossary, index and refers the reader to Usborne's Quick Links Web site. The back cover lists some Internet safety rules and also has a note for adults. This book would also be a good choice for kids not reading on grade level or those in ESOL programs. 2003, Usborne, Ages 5 up, $4.95. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-7945-0319-5 Race for the Sky: The Kitty Hawk Diaries of Johnny Moore Dan Gutman    Johnny Moore lives on the windswept and very isolated Outer Banks, a finger of land that lies off the coastline of North Carolina. When he reluctantly begins writing in the diary that his mother gives him, it is January 1st 1900. At first he can't understand why anyone would give someone a book that has "no words on the durn pages." His mother then has to explain what a diary is for and the only way Johnny agrees to write in the diary at all is if she agrees to allow him to give up going to school. He has to promise that he will write in the diary daily however. Johnny doesn't quite do this but he does write in it reasonably often and through his words, complete with his colloquialisms, peculiar spelling, and incorrect grammar, we learn a great deal about his world and about the two odd "dingbatters," or outsiders, who come to Kill Devil Hills to build and fly flying machines. At first Johnny only spies on the strange men who do even the dirtiest and most strenuous of work in their neat suits and high collars. It isn't long though before he is befriended by them and is working alongside them. Johnny begins to learn about the principals that govern flight. We realize that Johnny may run barefoot, he may have left school early, but he is clearly clever and quick on the uptake. He understands what the Wrights are trying to do quite quickly and when it comes to engines he has a deep appreciation for the quality of the engine that the Wilbur and Orville have custom built for their 1903 machine. In addition Johnny grows fond of the brothers and protective of them and their work. He is suspicious of the other "scientists" who come to visit Orville and Wilbur. As it happens, he has good cause to be wary of at least one of the men. Johnny catches him photographing the Wright brother's current machine. Clearly the visitor plans to steal his host's ideas. When a scientist in Washington fails in his test flights Johnny doesn't try to hide his elation. As far as he is concerned, the Wright brothers are the ones who should win the race to being the first to fly a manned powered airplane. He has no patience for men who are highly respected in their field if he thinks they might harm Wilbur and Orville in some way. For example, Johnny thinks the brothers should send Octave Chanute, the famous civil engineer, packing. "He built the first bridge across the Missouri River" Orville says trying to impress the young man. "That's all well and good, but I ain't never seen no flyin' bridge and I reckon I never will" is what Johnny thinks to himself in response. With wonderful humor, and a keen sense of what life must have been like for Johnny Moore, the author of this book has created a piece of writing which truly takes us to the place and time where it all happened. 2003, Simon and Schuster, Ages 10 to 14, $15.95. Reviewer: Marya Jansen-Gruber ISBN: 0-689-84554-5 Take off! Ryan Ann Hunter Illustrated by Edward Miller    Zoom, Vroom! Here's a spirited nonfiction book that tells young readers how people got off the ground and just how far flight has brought them to date. Busy airports, the sound of jets buzzing over home or school, and airline trips to faraway vacation spots are commonplace experiences for many of today's children. But, it's been barely a hundred years since the Wright Brothers achieved controlled, manned flight. This well-designed hardcover book traces the development of airplanes over the past century in easy-to-understand steps of technical development. The text also gives an overview of the role airplanes play in our everyday lives (such as delivering packages, mail and passengers all around the globe) and how pilots navigate safely in busy skyways. The text is amply illustrated with detailed, full color paintings of all kinds of aircraft and helpful diagrams. Even the sky-blue end papers are decorated with labeled renderings of vintage and modern airplanes. "Ryan Ann Hunter" is the pen name of Pamela D. Greenwood and Elizabeth G. Macalaster, who have written many fine books, both individually and together. 2000, Holiday House, Ages 6 to 8, $15.95. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree Best Books: Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States ISBN: 0823414663 Taking Flight: The Story of the Wright Brothers Stephen Krensky Illustrated by Larry Day    The story of the Wright brothers is familiar to many adults, but this introductory biography does a great job introducing the brothers and their achievements to young readers. Wilber and Orville were intrigued by flying--they wanted to build a machine that would fly and that would be under the control of the person in the flying machine. Up to this point, human flight had consisted of gliders and balloons, which were pretty much at the mercy of the winds. Hard work and rigorous research led to success. The difficulties they faced and their perseverance and skill come across in this story. The watercolor illustrations work to expand the text and they let readers have a glimpse at the machine shops and tough conditions that the Wright brothers faced at Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills. Part of the "Ready-To-Read" series, a Level 3 book for kids who are reading alone. 2000, Simon & Schuster, Ages 7 to 9, $15.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2001; Bank Street College of Education; United States ISBN: 0689812256 ISBN: 0689812248 The Tuskegee Airmen: African American Pilots of World War II Sarah E. De Capua     Although African-American pilots during World War II were unable, initially, to serve in an integrated military service, they were able to serve as an all black squadron. The author provides the history of how the black squadrons evolved. With the support of Colonel Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. and Army Chief of Staff, General George Marshall, who verified the superior performance of the squadrons, they were eventually able to contribute to the war effort. Although they achieved a place of honor during the war, when they returned home they were still treated as second-class citizens. Young people today might find it difficult to realize that African Americans in the military were treated as less than full citizens, especially when they see role models such as Colin Powell. It is important for children to know this history of African American pilots and how they, in spite of being discriminated against, achieved greatness. This is part of the "Journey to Freedom, The African American Library" series. 2004, The Child's World, Ages 8 to 12, $28.50. Reviewer: Leila Toledo ISBN: 1-56766-550-0 The Story of Flight Judith E. Rinard    The history of flight is covered in its many aspects. Accounts of early air flight include the first balloon flight in Paris in 1783, the first glider flight in 1891, the first airplane flight in 1903 by the Wright brothers, and the first practical helicopter flight in 1939. There is a review of the daring of Charles Lindbergh in making the first flight across the Atlantic in 1927 and of Amelia Earhart doing the same just five years later. The many uses of airplanes described are racing, fighting, bombing, spying, aerial acrobatics, flying the mail, and carrying passengers. The history of space flight includes Soviet Yuri Gagarin as the first human to go up in a rocket in 1961, the first landing on the moon in 1969 by the U.S. Apollo 11 astronauts, and the first space shuttle launch in 1981 at Kennedy Space Center. Early fantasies about space are contrasted to the actual experience. Space suits, flight controls, living and working in space, the space station, Hubbell's pictures, and future possibilities give a close-up view of this distant experience. An extensive photo collection provides interesting and educational documentation into this amazing world of flight, launched only a century ago. 2002, Firefly Books, Ages 13 up, $16.95 and $8.95. Reviewer: Carol Raker Collins ISBN: 1-55297-642-4 ISBN: 1-55297-694-7 Touching the Sky the Flying Adventures of Wilbur and Orville Wright Lousie Borden and Trish Marx Illustrations by Peter Fiore      Don't mistake this book for a biography of Orville and Wilbur Wright. It's not - although the brief introduction and the epilogue do cover the major events of the Wright brothers' lives. Instead this two-part book describes, in great detail, events that take place in September of 1909. The first half of the book, called Wilbur and the Red Canoe recounts Wilbur's flight over Manhattan during New York's celebration of its 300 years of history. People stood everywhere to witness this flight--a million cheering and waving people who marveled at what they saw. Wilbur marveled too at his birdseye view of the city below. The second half of the book - Higher, Orville, Higher--takes place in Europe where Orville soars high above the German capitol of Berlin. Two hundred thousand men, women and children have come to see this flight. "Amazing! it was simply amazing!" During his days in Germany, Orville set many records. He made the first night flight. He flew the longest flight ever with a passenger. He flew the highest ever, reaching almost sixteen hundred feet and breaking the record he had set just days before. A unique portrait of two American heroes whose high flying adventures are illustrated with detailed watercolors of the people and places of the time. At the end of the book, readers will find aviation time line and maps of Manhattan (and its monuments) and of Europe. A perfect choice for any young readers fascinated with flight. 2003, Margaret K. McElderry Books/Simon and Schuster, Ages 7 to 10, $18.95. Reviewer: Anita Barnes Lowen ISBN: 0-689-84876-5 Wild About Flying! David Marshall and Bruce Harris Illustrations by Bruce Harris     Wherever pilots gather, it is inevitable that flying stories flow. Pilots call these tales "hanger stories" because often they are told in the airplane hangers at airports. Wild About Flying! is a thick volume of fantastic "hanger stories" filled with wild flying inventions, risky adventures, and daring flights. This hefty book is divided into three parts; the dreamers, the doers, and the daredevils. Under the category of dreamers, the authors have placed the aviation experimenters and designers of aircraft. There is a strong emphasis on early flight and the exciting flurry of ideas prior to and during the Wright brothers historic flight. The section on doers includes famous names associated with the manufacturing and engineering of aircraft. It is not just a cataloguing of planes and factories but stories about why certain planes were built and how they fit into our world history. The last and largest section is about the daredevils, the men and women who pushed the limits of flight in their airplanes. Almost a third of the entries are Australian. This makes the reader wonder if the two Australians who co-authored this book were a little biased in their selection. Despite this, Wild About Flying! is a massive book, full of wonderful stories, photos and illustrations. The illustrator, Bruce Harris is very deft in re-creating great moments in aviation history with his technically accurate and beautifully rendered paintings. 2003, Firefly Books, Ages 12 up, $35.00. Reviewer: Sally J. K. Davies ISBN: 1-55297-849-4 The Wondrous Whirligig: The Wright Brothers' First Flying Machine Andrew Glass     Seven-year-old Orville Wright and his brother Wilbur receive a flying toy as a gift from their father. Inspired by its mechanics, the two boys set out to create a flying machine that will carry the two of them. Although in the end the attempt fails, their creative spirit prevails. Told in the first person in the voice of Orville Wright, this story embellishes an often-told incident from Orville's childhood "in the spirit of a tall tale," as the author notes in an afterword. Though the story itself is fictionalized, it captures the gumption, perseverance, and ingenuity of the two men who built the world's first flying machine, and touches on the warm, supportive environment of the household they grew up in. Glass' illustrations are bold and exciting, nicely complementing the energy of the two central characters and their quest. For those who are concerned about the fictionalization of history, Glass recommends that readers looking for more information should consult nonfiction books, notably Russell Freedman's The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane. A newer option, one of the crop of Wright Brothers-related books celebrating the centennial of the first flight, is To Fly, by Wendie C. Old, a 2003 Orbis Pictus Honor Book. 2003, Holiday House, Ages 6 to 10, $16.95. Reviewer: Anne Marie Pace ISBN: 0-8234-1717-4 The Wright Brothers Lola M. Schaefer    Using two hundred and thirty words in twenty-four pages, Schaefer introduces young readers to major figures in the field of transportation. Wilbur and Orville Wright were pioneers in the development of the airplane. Vintage photographs depict these men and their experimental aircraft. Their efforts were based on plenty of trial and error and the testing of more than 200 wing shapes. The back matter will probably be most useful to adults; it consists of a "Words to Know" section that includes definitions, a short bibliography, Internet sites, and an index/word list. Part of the "Famous People in Transportation" series. 2000, Pebble Books/Capstone, Ages 4 to 7, $13.25. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot ISBN: 0-7368-0549-4 The Wright Brothers: A Flying Start Elizabeth MacLeod    We tend to think of Wilbur and Orville Wright as frozen in time in 1903, December 17, the date of their first successful flight. In actuality, their experiments began much earlier, and Orville lived until 1948, watching the mechanical and social evolution of the airplane go far beyond what the brothers, or anyone, had ever dreamed. Elizabeth MacLeod, naturally, concentrates on the years the Wrights spent directly involved in their quest for flight, although she does acknowledge earlier circumstances that shaped and occupied their interests. MacLeod also puts flight into historical context for the day, explaining (or trying to; some concepts are difficult to grasp) the major events and physical principles the Wrights were able to use as the basis for their own work. The book is well illustrated with photographs and diagrams (and what can only be described as tangential, yet interesting, memorabilia). There is minimal documentation--no bibliography, no suggested reading (just a list of web sites to visit), and quotations throughout are undated. This is flight and the Wright brothers at the most basic and most accessible level. 2002, Kids Can Press, Ages 8 to 12, $14.95. Reviewer: Wendy Morris ISBN: 1-55074-933-1 The Wright Brothers and other Pioneers of Flight Ole Steen Hansen     "The Story of Flight" series celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight and presents the history of aviation. Full-color illustrations and photographs show aviation's greatest moments, famous pilots, and numerous aircraft. This entry deals with the history of flight from over 500 years ago when Da Vinci designed helicopters and others played with pedal power and flapping wings. Profiles of aviation pioneers Cader, Ader, and Lilienthal and their contributions precede the Wright entry, which is followed by notes on Santos-Dumont, Bleriot, Rogers, and Sikorsky. Sections on daredevils and military aircraft pioneers are also included. Numerous small pictures with accompanying text break up the pages and encourage browsing and scanning. Each volume ends with a spotters' guide showing a series of relevant planes and listing their specs, such as country of origin, description, length, wingspan, and speed that invites readers to compare planes and their usage. An index and glossary, but no Web sites, are included. This series is bound to appeal to boy readers and its format encourages less able readers to dip in, as well. 2003, Crabtree Publishing Company, Ages 9 to 14, $8.95 and $17.94. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0-7787-1216-8 ISBN: 0-7787-1200-1 The Wright Brothers for Kids: How They Invented the Airplane Mary Kay Carson     This oversized paperback is much more than a fine historical account of how the Wright Brothers invented an airplane capable of controlled, manned, heavier-than-air flight, thereby setting the modern age of aviation into motion. It is also a wonderful learning resource, filled with 21 scientific activities that are designed to help kids discover, and understand, the aerodynamic principles that allow humankind's dream of flight become reality. Although the focus is on Orville and Wilbur Wright, readers will learn about other aviation pioneers, including inventors who inspired and assisted the bicycle-building brothers from Dayton, Ohio, as they designed, tested and finally flew their famous flying machine. The text is liberally illustrated with Wilbur and Orville's own words and photographs. The activities are illustrated with clear diagrams and easy-to-understand directions. Also included are a glossary, suggested web sites and aviation-related historic sites to visit, along with a complete index. A great addition to the library or classroom book shelf…or for aviation buffs of all ages. 2003, Chicago Review Press, Ages 8 to 12, $14.95. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree ISBN: 1-55652-477-3 The Wright Brothers: Heroes of Flight Carin T. Ford    Ingenuity, ambition, and perseverance: the Wright Brothers had all the key ingredients to live out their idea of the American Dream—flying. Here the story of their achievement is presented in a brief chapter format, covering the brothers’ early dreams of flying, how their talent for mechanics led them to invent a motorized plane, and how, finally, they succeeded in their endeavor. Failure usually precedes success—it’s a hackneyed lesson, but one so naturally embedded in the Wrights’ story that readers may pick it up without even rolling their eyes. The chronological organization is easy to track, the presentation direct and engaging, and the numerous photographs well chosen. However, what knowable detail about the Wrights has not already been published? This account is competent, but tackling such a well-covered subject, doesn’t add much to the written record. It does, however, offer a short timeline, glossary, index and further research section (including websites) that older books may not. And, as part of the “Famous Inventors” series, it’s easy to see how no such-named series could ignore the Wrights. 2003, Enslow Publishers, Ages 7 to 10, $17.95. Reviewer: Diane Frook ISBN: 0-7660-2002-9 The Wright Brothers, Pioneers of American Aviation Quentin Reynolds     This reprint from another era of children's literature indicates how biography has changed. Here the Wright brothers, Orv and Will, chat about their doings, work out their dilemmas and challenges in dialog, and achieve their dreams. The author has embellished much of the incidents here with plausible extension and dialog. The Landmark series made their mark on a generation of readers because the formula worked: children wanted to read about the childhood of famous Americans and wanted fast-paced, and conversational, action. Now, biographers are held accountable for things like invented incidents, imagined thoughts, and creative dialog, and those who do not include source notes are considered unreliable. This entry is unchanged from the l950s, with all that that date in the series implies. However, the new "Landmark Books" series has addressed this with recent books added to the series containing index, source notes, plus a purging of imagined dialog and incident. With all of the wonderfully illustrated and straightforward biographies of the Wright brothers available to today's readers, buyers ought to beware of this old one. What was good enough for us grandparents or parents is not necessarily the best for our children and grandchildren. 2003 (orig. l950), Random House, Ages 8 to 12, $5.99. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 0-394-84700-8 The Wright Brothers Take Off Jon Buller and Susan Schade     How refreshing to have the story of Wilbur and Orville told through a student's eyes. This book, written in the form of a book report, surpasses originality. Did you know that there were five children in the Wright family, and that Orville and Wilbur first became interested in flying when their father brought home a Chinese flying top? They played so hard with the top that it broke. So they took the parts and learned how to make their own tops. This science project led them to rubber band power, then to a model plane, then to the flight of the century. They never stopped believing in themselves regardless of how many times their experiments with flight failed. They kept putting the pieces together and sometimes even rearranging them until December 17, 1903 when their plane lasted in flight for twelve seconds and flew 120 feet. Wow! The brothers conquered gravity, but they still found that testing the plane was more fun then being famous. Jon Buller and Susan Schade have created cartoons and arranged photographs that make this reference book a must. They not only recorded the facts or the Wright brother's first flight, but they also took the story and delved into the history of aviation and where it is today. 2003, Grosset & Dunlap, Ages 5 to 8, $14.89 and $5.99. Reviewer: Julia Beiker ISBN: 0-448-43240-4 ISBN: 0-448-42899-7 The Wright Sister Richard Maurer    Katharine Wright, sister of Orville and Wilbur, might have remained a forgotten side-note to history, were it not for Richard Maurer's fascinating new biography. The only member of the family to have gone to college, Katharine was a complex, energetic woman who contributed a great deal to Orville and Wilbur's success. In fact, because of her command of Greek and Latin, the European press and public were convinced that she must have been the real brains behind the "aeroplane." Like so many accomplished women of her generation, she placed her family before herself, giving up her own teaching career to help her brothers promote their invention. In Europe, where the brothers found the greatest initial interest in their flyer, Katharine was the family's chief spokesman, entertaining heads of state, making it her business to learn French, and managing all the social details for her suddenly famous, but shy and somewhat diffident brothers. Back at home, she continued her duties, hosting the explorers, scientists, tycoons and politicians who were soon making regular pilgrimages to the Wright home. Maurer's writing flows easily. His language is vivid and descriptive, bringing events and people to life. Drawing extensively on family letters, he leaves us feeling that we know Katharine Wright--that we've been drawn into her wide circle of friends. It's too bad, in a way, that this book is being marketed for children--so many adults will miss out on the chance to meet Katharine Wright. 2003, Roaring Brook Press/The Millbrook Press, Ages 11 up, $18.95 and $25.90. Reviewer: Barbara Carroll Roberts ISBN: 0-7613-1546-2 ISBN: 0-7613-2564-6 Wright to Fly: Celebrating 100 Years of Powered Flight Compiled by Peter R. March     This third volume of "The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund" series of aviation art and history books commemorates a century of powered flight beginning with Wilbur and Orville Wright's historic December 17, 1903 flight. A fine, art interpretation of a singular event on the right hand accompanies a left page of narration, a year per page, of the events from that era. This makes for a somewhat choppy read as the writer of a 1937 page segues from, for example, words about the air-boat industry from England to Egypt, Amelia Earhart's last flight, test of a new turbojet engine, a flight over the North Pole, and the creation of the RAF Volunteer Reserve training. Text covers international inventions, types of planes and aviators and other people, with a natural favoring of British contributions. Each aviation artist, selected from the American Society of Aviation Artists as well as The Guild of Aviation Artists in Britain, is given a substantial paragraph in the endnotes. There is no index, which would be nearly impossible to complete, so aviation enthusiasts are free to browse, develop their own trajectory through the many advances packed into the informative text, and admire the historical accuracy and pristinely detailed paintings. All proceeds benefit members of the Royal Air Force who have fallen on hard times, "especially now that so many veterans of the Second World War have attained old age." A worthy and exhaustively inclusive endeavor. 2003, Trafalgar Square, Ages 10 to Adult, $60.00. Reviewer: Susan Hepler ISBN: 1-899808-76-0 To Fly: The Story of the Wright Brothers Wendie Old Illustrated by Robert Andrew Parker    Well-conceived and evocatively illustrated, this picture book biography presents the two bicycle repairmen brothers from Dayton, Ohio, as two friends intent on pushing the boundaries of flight. A catchy poem by Beverly McLoughland opens the book and ends with "Scoffed and scorned/Their dreams of flight/But we were wrong/And they were Wright." Old's very readable text faces a square page of Parker's loose-lined watercolors and the pair's many setbacks are chronicled while their excitement in discovery and their willingness to tinker prevails. Index, flight timeline, further reading, and source notes for Wright brother quotes are included. It is a perfectly fine book, one of the best biographies of the Wright brothers available for this age group, and also one that pairs well with other picture book biographies of early pioneers of flight, such as Nikki Grimes's Talkin' About Bessie (Orchard, 2002), which presents Bessie Coleman's career as the first African-American woman licensed to fly. 2002, Clarion, Ages 8 to 12, $16.00. Reviewer: Susan Hepler Best Books: The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States Capitol Choices, 2002; The Capitol Choices Committee; United States The Children's Literature Choice List, 2002; Children's Literature; United States Notable Children's Books, 2003; American Library Association-ALSC; United States Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12, 2003; National Science Teachers Association; United States School Library Journal Book Review Stars, October 2002; Cahners; United States ISBN: 061813347X Wings and Rockets: The Story of Women in Air and Space Jeannine Atkins Pictures by Dusan Petricic    This is a story about female pioneers in air and space. It would have been easy to make this book a straight forward telling with dates and facts about the first women pilot (Blanche Stuart Scott), up to the first female commander of a spacecraft (Eileen Collins), but Atkins weaves their stories together seamlessly. She shows how these women felt and supported one another, allowing readers to come to view them not as isolated individuals, but as colleagues and friends. Atkins' narration is characterized by a restraint that allows the characters of these women to shine through. The book is informative and Petricic's illustrations enrich the writing, but the most impressive aspect of the story is the author's ability to convey the loneliness as well as the obvious bravery of women who made and broke records in the male-dominated field of aviation. While the lives and accomplishments of all the women covered in the book are interesting, the chapter at the beginning that introduces Katherine Wright is outstanding. She was the sister of the famous Wright brothers who created the first manned and mechanically powered plane. The nuanced portrayal of Katherine Wright's sacrifices, which made her brother's work possible, sets the tone for the rest of the book. Enjoy the ride! 2003, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Ages 8 to 11, $17.00. Reviewer: Rihoko Ueno ISBN: 0374384509   Added 11/30/03 To stay up to date on new books on this topic, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here.