First Flight
The Story of Tom Tate and the Wright Brothers
By: George Shea
Up, up, and away! When Tom Tate hears that Wilbur and Orville Wright are building a flying machine, he can't wait to try it. Tom's dad thinks it's dangerous. Some people think the Wrights are crazy. Can Tom help the brothers get their dream off the ground?
AI Overview
Title: "First Flight: The Story of Tom Tate and the Wright Brothers" by George Shea
Overview: "First Flight" is a historical fiction book aimed at elementary-grade readers, part of the I Can Read Level 4 series. The story revolves around Tom Tate, a young boy from Kitty Hawk, who befriends the Wright Brothers, Wilbur and Orville, and becomes involved in their quest to build the first flying machine.
Plot Summary: The book begins with Tom Tate hearing about the Wright Brothers' plans to build a flying machine. Despite his father's concerns and the skepticism of others, Tom is eager to help the brothers achieve their dream. When there isn't enough wind to lift the grown men, Tom volunteers to try out the glider, becoming the second person to fly in their original glider. The story follows Tom's adventures as he witnesses the Wright Brothers' numerous trips to Kitty Hawk, each time refining their machine until the successful 1903 flight.
Key Themes:
- Innovation and Perseverance: The book highlights the Wright Brothers' determination to achieve their dream of flight despite the challenges and skepticism they faced.
- Friendship and Support: Tom's friendship with the Wright Brothers and his willingness to help them demonstrate the importance of support and collaboration in achieving great goals.
- Historical Significance: The book introduces young readers to a pivotal moment in aviation history, making the story both engaging and educational.
Critical Reception:
- School Library Journal: Praised the book for its "carefully researched" illustrations and noted that children will identify with Tom's spirit and enthusiasm.
- Kirkus Reviews: Described the book as a true tale of a boy who befriended aviation pioneers and was the second person to fly in their original glider. The review highlighted that while the tale has limited vocabulary, it has enough inherent drama to overcome the format, making it suitable for new readers.
Product Details:
- ISBN-13: 9780064442152
- Publisher: HarperCollins
- Publication Date: February 18, 2003
- Series: I Can Read Level 4
- Pages: 48
- Age Range: 8-11 Years
- Lexile: 580L
"First Flight" is designed to build reading confidence and pleasure while engaging young readers with compelling historical fiction. It serves as a perfect bridge to chapter books for elementary-grade kids, introducing them to the thrilling story of the Wright Brothers and their pioneering achievements in aviation.