The Wright Brothers
How They Invented the Airplane
By: Russell Freedman
A Newbery Honor-winning biography of the men whose experiments brought about the Age of Flight. This engaging narrative account of Orville and Wilbur Wright, two men with little formal schooling but a knack for solving problems, follows their interest from a young age in the developing field of aeronautics. Russell Freedman’s writing brings the brothers’ personalities to life, enhancing the record of events with excerpts from the brothers’ writing and correspondence, and accounts of those who knew them. Chronicling their lives from their early mechanical work on toys and bicycles through the development of several flyers, The Wright Brothers follows the siblings through their achievements—not only the first powered, sustained, controlled airplane flight, but the numerous improvements and enhancements that followed, their revolutionary airplane business, and the long legacy of that first brief flight. Illustrated with numerous historical photographs—many taken by the Wright brothers themselves—this is a concise, extremely reader-friendly introduction to these important American inventors. Includes a note on the Wright brothers’ photographs, as well as recommendation for further reading and learning.
AI Overview
Title: "The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane" by Russell Freedman
Publication Details:
- Publication Year: 1991
- Genre: Nonfiction, Biography, Middle Grade
- Awards: Newbery Honor Book (1992), Boston Globe-Horn Book Award (1991), Golden Kite Award (1991), Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal (1998), National Humanities Medal (2007) for Russell Freedman's body of work.
Plot Summary: The book tells the story of Orville and Wilbur Wright, the inventors of the world's first successful airplane. It begins with a vivid description of their historic flight, as seen through the eyes of Amos Root, who traveled over 200 miles to witness it. The flight, which lasted a minute and a half, was a groundbreaking moment in aviation history. The book then delves into the Wright brothers' childhood, highlighting their inseparable bond and their dedication to mechanical pursuits. The brothers opened a bicycle shop in their early twenties, where they honed their mechanical skills, laying the foundation for their future work on flight.
The narrative explores the Wright brothers' relentless pursuit of manned flight, detailing their experimentation, successes, and setbacks. The book chronicles the technical obstacles they faced and the skepticism they encountered from the scientific community and the public. Despite these challenges, the Wright brothers remained determined and innovative, driven by their unwavering belief in their abilities.
Key Themes:
- Determination and Perseverance: The book highlights the Wright brothers' unwavering dedication to their dream of manned flight, despite numerous setbacks and challenges.
- Innovation and Ingenuity: It showcases the brothers' mechanical skills and innovative thinking, which were crucial in developing the first successful airplane.
- Societal Norms and Personal Choices: The narrative touches on how the Wright brothers chose to reject societal norms by not getting married or engaging in activities like smoking and excessive socializing, instead focusing on their work.
- Historical Significance: The book emphasizes the historical significance of the Wright brothers' achievement, which marked a pivotal moment in aviation history.
Critical Reception: "The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane" has received widespread critical acclaim for its engaging storytelling and meticulous research. The book has been praised for making complex historical events accessible to young readers. Russell Freedman's narrative style has been particularly commended for capturing the essence of the Wright brothers' journey in an inspiring and informative manner. The book's awards and recognition further underscore its impact and quality as a historical biography for young readers.