100 Years of Flight: Outstanding Resources on the Wright Brothers and Flight

Barrett, Norman. Flying Machines. (Illus.; from the Visual Guides Series.) Danbury, CT: Franklin Watts, 1994. 48pp. $13.95. 93-33238. ISBN 0-531-14301-5. Index; C.I.P.
EI-YA
Order

This addition to the Visual Guides series provides abundant and colorful illustrations of airliners, helicopters, hot-air balloons, and the space shuttle. Record-breaking flying machines, such as rocket planes and the Wright Flyer, are included. Labels on drawings provide the names of parts, many giving brief descriptions of their functions. A drawing of the Concorde, for example, names 14 structures and shows views of the nose in flight and in the landing position. The book can be enjoyed by readers from a wide range of ages. Anyone with an interest in airplanes will enjoy and learn from this entry in the series.

Ford, Carin T. Wright Brothers: Heroes of Flight. (Illus.; from the Famous Inventors Series.) Springfield, NJ: Enslow, 2003. 32pp. $17.95. 2002009197. ISBN 0-7660-2002-9. Glossary; Index; C.I.P. EP-EA Order

This book is a wonderful introduction to the Wright Brothers. From their birth, through the invention of flight, to old age, the book covers the topics in an engaging style. The book is well illustrated with original photos and pictures of Wright brother inventions. The biographies of the brothers are straight forward and are an inspiring read for the young engineer or inventor. The reading level is well designed for a second grader. The material is nicely organized and simplified to a suitable level for the intended audience. Besides the fine use of illustrations, this book includes a time-line, a list of difficult words and an index. This book would be a welcome addition to any library collection.

Freedman, Russell. The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane. (Illus.; photographs by Wilbur and Orville Wright). NY: Holiday House, 1991. 124pp. $16.95. 90-48440. ISBN 0-8234-0875-2.Index; C.I.P.
JH, YA, GA
Order

Russell Freedman presents the story of Wilbur and Orville Wright in a book that will have wide appeal. Starting with a brief account of the efforts of earlier pioneers, Freedman goes on to give a pleasing description of the Wright brothers' systematic approach to the successful development of "the art of flying" with the first lift-off on December 14, 1903, of their powered aircraft, the Flyer. Freedman paints a warm picture of Bishop Milton Wright, the father of the two brothers, the Wright family, and the close relationship that existed between the brothers. Their perseverance, in spite of several major setbacks, led to their triumphant acceptance both in Europe and the United States. Both young and mature persons will be inspired by reading about the methodical approach of the Wright brothers.

Iversen, Eve. Animal Aviators: Masters of Flight. (Illus.) Danbury, CT: Franklin Watts, 2001. 112pp. $24.00. 00-036657. ISBN 0531117499. Glossary; index; C.I.P.
JH, YA, T
Order

This book provides a wealth of information about the mechanics of flight in different animal groups. The first two chapters describe the different types of flight and how each is achieved from an aerodynamic and physiological standpoint. The next two chapters cover the diversity of flight seen in birds and other animals. A chapter on migration gives special consideration to the demands of long-distance flight. Another chapter addresses the difficulties associated with takeoff and landing for birds and other animals. Finally, one chapter is devoted to a historical look at the human pursuit of flight. The information presented in the book is a good blend of physics, biology, natural history, and cultural history. A glossary is included, along with lists of related books and articles and a list of aeronautic and conservation organizations. Three science projects are detailed at the end of the volume, and a few observational activities are described in highlighted areas within the text.

Johnstone, Michael. Airplanes. (Illus. by Hans Jenssen; from the Look Inside Cross-Sections Series.) NY: DK Publishing, 1994. 32pp. $5.95. 93-46373. ISBN 1-56458-520-4. Glossary; Index; C.I.P. EI-YA, GA Order

Technology in everyday life is particularly attractive to children, especially when presented in the detailed cross sections that Dorling Kindersley has been producing in the Look Inside Cross-Sections series. Each of the 10 planes featured in this book is drawn in colorful cross sections. Clear labels and narrative texts, coupled with authentic figures, heighten interest and provide information. A brief, illustrated chronology of planes, along with a glossary and index, completes the volume. The book will be useful for the inquisitive student in elementary through high school. Students of all grades might enjoy the challenge of creating realistic three-dimensional models of the two-dimensional cross sections portrayed within. Concepts of scale, form and function, geometry, and materials science can all be approached via this avenue.

MacLeod, Elizabeth. The Wright Brothers: A Flying Start. (Illus.) Tonawanda, NY: Kids Can Press, 2002. 32pp. $14.95. C2001-901519-4. ISBN 1-55074-933-1. Index; C.I.P. EI Order

The Wright Brothers: A Flying Start recounts the story of Orville and Wilbur Wright and how they designed and built the world's first successful controlled, powered aircraft. MacLeod emphasizes how the Wrights' relationship and engineering methods made their efforts to invent the airplane possible. She never claims that flight would not have happened without the Wrights, but rather suggests that their skills and determination were responsible for their success. Elizabeth MacLeod outlines the Wrights' success through their application of creativity and engineering. That first airplane would be only the beginning of their efforts to build an aircraft with practical applications. In this volume, MacLeod clearly shows how the Wrights' engineering approach and unwavering dedication made the airplane as we know it today a reality.

Rinard, Judith E. The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Book of Flight. (Illus.) NY: Firefly Books, 2001. 128pp. $24.95. C2001-930715-2. ISBN 1-55209-619. Glossary; Index; C.I.P. JH, YA, T, GA Order

A superbly illustrated book, this informal pictorial history of flight will delight any aerospace enthusiast, young or old. From the Montgolfier brothers to possible future manned Mars missions, the book covers the gamut of aviation and astronautics, bringing to the fore many of the exhibits from the National Air and Space Museum's collections. The emphasis is on American aviation and rocketry. Several pages are devoted to the Apollo lunar missions, and rightly so! The illustrations are the heart of the book, and they are a delight, serving to highlight a national treasure: the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

Scott, Phil. The Pioneers of Flight: A Documentary History. (Illus.) Princeton, NJ: Princeton, 1999. xi+234pp. $24.95. 98-38412. ISBN 0-691-01117-6. Index; C.I.P.
JH, YA, T, GA
Order

In this volume, the development of powered flight is explored by quintessential excerpts of original writings from major international players in humanity's quest to travel by airship. The book is subdivided into six chronologically contiguous sections, each of which is focused on the attainment of particular benchmarks in early attempts at aviation. On the whole, the excerpts have been judiciously selected by the author and blend well together to provide the reader with insights into the mental and physical hardships and triumphs that a succession of individuals inspired by a common goal--to soar like the birds--experienced to achieve controlled powered flight. The book would make a valuable ancillary text to middle school or high school science classes that cover the physics of flight, as it provides valuable glimpses into significant aspects of many of the lives that were devoted to attaining one of humanity's greatest achievements in modern history.