The story of Orville and Wilbur Wright is told, taking readers back to the brothers' childhood in rural Ohio where they were fascinated by all kinds of vehicles. Dreaming of flight, they were convinced they could build a machine that a man could pilot--and they did. Illustrations.
1. Book summary, in your own words (3 pts) First Flight: The Story of the Wright Brothers is a book about the Wright Brothers and their journey to making the first airplane and actually getting it to fly. It is a very informative book; very interesting. 2. Grade level, interest level, lexile (1 pt) This would be a book for students in 3rd through 5th graders. It is a very informative book, a little difficult to read. 3. Appropriate classroom use (subject area) (1 pt) I would use this book during the reading part of the class and when we talk about history. 4. Individual students who might benefit from reading (1 pt) Students interested in airplanes and flying would like this book. 5. Small group use (literature circles) (1 pt) I do not think I would use this in small groups. 6. Whole class use (read aloud) (1 pt) I would keep this book in my classroom library. 7. Related books in genre/subject or content area (1 pt) DK Readers L4: Thomas Edison: The Great Inventor by Caryn Jenner Moonwalk: The First Trip to the Moon (Step-Into-Reading, Step 5) by Judy Donnelly 8. Multimedia connections (audio books, movie) available (1 pt) There are no multimedia connections to this book.
Needs updating - I bought the book in 2017 in a bookstore, but it's still in the first 2003 printing and mentions the Concord and Space Shuttle in use. This update need only applies to one page (p. 47) of 48.
A good background on the Wright Brothers, showing the long development of creating the first powered flight including the setbacks of weather, health, rivals, and failures. As is popular with children's books, gives a bit about their family and their childhood activities (working various internships).
All that we love about DK Readers: A good overview, clear layouts, complementary photographs and artifacts, and a solid narrative. This one is Level 4: Proficient Readers.
I appreciated that students got a feel for the length of the inventive process. The Wright Brothers worked on their ideas for years before having success and the contributions and competition of other inventors are also discussed.
A pleasure to read, a pleasure to won and re-read. Recommended.