The Value of Patience: The Story of the Wright Brothers

ValueTales Series

by Spencer Johnson, Steve Pileggi (Illustrator)

Describes the patient efforts of the Wright Brothers to build a flying machine.

Genres: Biography, Childrens, History, Picture Books, Nonfiction, School

64 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Patrick Spencer Johnson was an American writer. He was known for the ValueTales series of children's books, and for his 1998 self-help book Who Moved My Cheese?, which recurred on the New York Times Bestseller list, on the Publishers Weekly Hardcover nonfiction list. Johnson was the chairman of Spencer Johnson Partners.

Reviews

[Pamela Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This inspiring narrative tells about two young brothers who dream of creating a flying machine after receiving an air glider from their father. They practice fixing printing machines, bicycles, and engines for many years, but were unsuccessful with their flying machine until they became mature adults. Johnson takes his readers down memory lane through the eyes of the Wright brothers, and intertwines the entire history of their accomplishments along with their gift of patience which they use in order to keep their flying machine dream alive. The illustrations are colorful and fun with an imaginary bird that is added to the story line in the form of their conscience. As a teacher, I plan on using this text to inspire my students to keep trying and preserve in whatever their dreams maybe. I also want the students to know that it is alright if their dreams do not happen right away, and that having patience will help them achieve greatness if they never choose to give up. Johnson does an excellent job of creating the kind of dialogue that can keep any age group engaged while reading this remarkable story of two brothers who decide to have patience while achieving their goal.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember it clearly to this day :)

[C.G. Fewston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when I was a kid and remember it fondly, and will have to revisit it with my children.

[Leila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good tale about patience. Definitely geared for a younger audience. Not sure how I feel about these imaginary creatures inserted into these stories. I think the point could have been made differently.

[Cecile · Rating 3 out of 5]

I despise this series, but my kindergartener thinks these fictionalized accounts of biographies are enchanting.

[Blanche · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book this is #8 in a children's series of 18

[Suzanne Lorraine Kunz Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how this book teaches us all that many things that are worth a lot take a long time to do. And I love how it teaches us the principles of not getting mad when things go wrong, and of trying again. Great book. Great series!