The Wright Brothers At Kitty Hawk

Scholastic Biography

by Donald J. Sobol

Describes events at Kitty Hawk up to the Wright brothers' first flight on December 17, 1903

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Childrens, Aviation, Historical, Science

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1961

About the author

Donald J. Sobol was an award-winning writer best known for his children's books, especially the Encyclopedia Brown mystery series. Mr. Sobol passed away in July of 2012.

Reviews

[Hannah Hancock]

See my review here. http://oldoriginalthoughts.blogspot.c...

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a scholastic book that I originally bought for my grandson. After reading it I didn't think he would like it so I didn't give it to him. Having spent most of my life in Ohio, I enjoyed reading this biography of Orville and Wilbur Wright. Very short of course, written for kids but it had a lot of information about what they went through to fly a "powered" machine. I wonder what they would think of a Boeing 747 or some of the stealth fighter planes of today?

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read about the Wright Brothers and their adventures at Kitty Hawk. It's sure to grab the attention of future engineers currently in elementary school. As an adult, I enjoyed the humor and rapport that Wilbur and Orville had with each other. A nice, elementary school appropriate biography. Four and a half stars!

[Natalie Owsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

We really enjoyed this book and loved learning more about the Wright Brothers, but some of the language felt too big and even the story line a bit convoluted for my 7-year-old. He was a little bored at times.

[Maggie Bowman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done for a kid's biography!

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Orville and Wilbur Wright were bicycle salesmen from Dayton, Ohio, who dreamed about flying a powered machine. It took years of testing and many attempts, but they finally succeeded!

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

"First I've got to travel through the air myself. You can't learn the secret of flight by watching a bird. It's like learning magic by watching a magician. First you have to know what to look for." (17) // Wilbur Wright

"'All of them have tried to fly - all have given up,' said Chanute sadly. He looked at Wilbur. 'They spent too much time in figuring and too little in doing. Is that your belief?'
'It is,' said Wilbur. 'Figuring is necessary, but you must get into the air too.'
'There are3 two ways to learn to ride a horse,' said Orville. 'One is to get into the saddle. The other is to sit on a fence and watch, and then go into the house and figure out the best way to overcome the jumps and kicks. Sitting on the fence is safer. But sitting on the horse turns out more good riders.'" (47)

"To be the first to fly: suddenly that had become uppermost in the minds of Wilbur and Orville Wright.
Their wind tunnel had put them in the lead for the time being. It had given up a treasure more rare than jewels or gold.. It had given up little hard truths. When put together, these truths would clear a path into the sky.
Aside from Chanute, the world did not know of their tunnel. Not yet. But the brothers feared that sooner or later others would construct boxes like theirs. Others would hear the wind speak its secrets." (81)

[Jeremy]

this biography was a good one. it was about two brothers who were very intelligent. they wanted to follow there dream being able to create a piece of machinery that could fly. these brothers are orvil and wilber wright. this book tells of there life obstacles in making this dream come to life. i learned alot from the about why it is important to never give up on your dream no matter what obstacles get in the way.

[Silvana · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun, easy-to-read account for one of the most amazing discoveries in the 20th century. I think not only children will like it, but also people who think biographies are boring and way too long to read.

[Robby Amoruso · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really like this book because I am not a fan of historical books and it mainly talked about the wright brothers and what they did when they were in Kitty Hawk and how they flew the fist plane

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

easy to read...slightly boring...

[T · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great way for children my age to learn about the history of the first gliders. It is very interesting- not giving too many details yet understanding.

[Candy · Rating 5 out of 5]

i think this book is interesting of how people invented new things and that awesome

[Corinna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot about the Wright Brothers. I had no idea how close they were to quitting their pursuit of flying until they were encouraged by a mentor...goes to show we all need encouragement.

[Katie]

6-24-12
Braden (age 10) read this in one day...but said he really liked it..."The author didn't make it boring...it was exciting, and it really happened."

[Axel Velazquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a great book but it doesn't state what happens after they do the last flight and people get injured.

[Ayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly did not think I would like this book when I first started it but then after a few chapters I loved it! I love that they never gave up, and followed their dream!