Project First Flight

Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures #3

by Marsha Tufft

2022 Wishing Shelf Book Awards FINALIST!
2023 BookFest Book Awards Gold Medal WINNER!
2023 PenCraft Book Awards 2nd Place!
2024 Literary Titan Gold Medal!


To strengthen her skills, she’ll turn to the scientific method. But can this middle schooler also learn how to mend a broken relationship?



Putney Hicks’s watery nightmare has officially come to life. After a poor practice session means she has to swim her worst stroke at the next meet, she’s anxious she won’t stand a chance against her competitors. But as she works hard on improving her terrible technique, she’s even more stressed after learning she’ll be racing against her former best friend.



Drawing inspiration from her recently emerged monarch butterflies and a hummingbird droid, Putney grows hopeful when the flapping-flight data helps her better understand swimming. But with her nemesis moving in next door and her robotic bird being tailed by mysterious drones, the young scientist fears she’ll crack under the pressure.



With a gold medal and old friendship on the line, is Putney’s STEM savvy the key to success?



Project First Flight is the thrilling third book in the award-winning Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures middle grade series. If you like determined problem-solvers, hi-tech experiments, and bold AI sidekicks, then you’ll love Marsha Tufft’s inspiring tale.



Buy Project First Flight to engineer brilliance today!


What readers are

★★★★★ "Entertaining, educational, and full of really cool and unique ideas!" -Amazon Review

★★★★★ "A modern-day classic that's a must for middle-aged kids!" -Amazon Review

★★★★★ "Putney The perfect blend of science, adventure, and heart!" -Amazon Review

★★★★★ "Inspiring the next generation of inventors and scientists!" -Amazon Review

★★★★★ "Amazing read! – Think Nancy Drew meets MacGyver.” -Amazon Review

★★★★★ “an exhilarating journey filled with determination, STEM exploration, and the complexities of middle school relationships.” -Amazon Review

★★★★★ "A delightfully engaging protagonist that will captivate any animal enthusiast!" - Literary Titan

★★★★★ "Putney Where adventure, creativity, and fun collide!" - Amy Louise Hill, Readers' Favorite

★★★★★ "A spark of genius that resonates with the motto of never giving up!" - Emily-Jane Hills Orford, Readers' Favorite

340 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 12, 2022

Reviews

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Putney Hicks, an enterprising and tech-savvy seventh grader, is at the heart of an enthralling tale that combines determination, creativity, and youthful ambition. Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures 3: Project First Flight by Marsha Tufft thrusts our protagonist into a complex world where her swimming prowess is not up to the mark, and the approaching competition looms large in her thoughts.

The narrative artfully centers on Putney’s evolving concern over her swimming abilities. Her journey through the often turbulent waters of practice sessions provides an emotionally rich subplot that ripples through the story, heightening the stakes of the impending competition. Compounding these challenges is the added dimension of Putney’s family relocating to a new home, weaving an intricate pattern of conflicts and resolutions.

Assisting Putney in her multifaceted endeavors are her dependable AI assistant, Sam, and her devoted canine companion, Henry. By means of her innovative magic eyePad, Putney converses with Sam’s hologram, receiving both guidance and encouragement. Moreover, Putney’s brilliance shines through her creation of a life-like hummingbird droid, a testament to her imagination and technological savvy.

The plot thickens and takes an unforeseen twist when Putney discovers that her previous best friend has become her principal rival in the pool, now living next door. This development sets the stage for a deeper exploration of focus, rivalry, and the challenges of adolescence.

While the book takes readers on a fantastic adventure brimming with technological wonders, friendships, and school-life dilemmas, it does have minor drawbacks. Some may find the pace occasionally slow and the suspense not fully fleshed out. I think certain dialogues between characters might appear somewhat stilted. Nevertheless, these are but small blemishes on an otherwise vivid canvas, and the inclusion of thematic elements such as butterflies—directly inspired by Putney’s fascination with them—add an enlightening and charming touch that will captivate readers.

Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures 3: Project First Flight is well-suited for young adults and teenagers with a penchant for thrilling escapades and a zeal for gadgets and technology. Through a blend of engaging storytelling and educational insights, Marsha Tufft has crafted a novel that resonates with the curious minds of today’s youth.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Project First Flight, author Marsha Tufft expertly crafts a narrative around our protagonist, Putney Hicks. A young, compassionate intellect with adoration for animals, Putney faces her own challenges as she grapples with perfecting her butterfly stroke and delving into an immersive school science project.

Putney is accompanied by a rich tapestry of characters in this novel, including her vibrant friend Sam and others such as Gigi, Margot, JZ, Jenn, and Jim. Together, they help Putney navigate the ebb and flow of life, all the while maintaining a delicate balance between work and play, stress and enjoyment, and learning from their shared experiences.

The main protagonist, Putney, is delightfully engaging, and Tufft's skill in developing complex, likable characters is evident. Of particular note is the interaction with Putney's animal companions, which will undoubtedly captivate any animal enthusiast. The wholesome tone permeating the narrative ensures this book has a universal appeal.

Tufft adeptly controls the story's pacing, maintaining a steady rhythm that harmonizes beautifully with the plot. The beachside setting serves as the perfect backdrop, encapsulating the essence of the narrative and undoubtedly resonating with readers.

One of the refreshing aspects of this tale is Putney's apparent enthusiasm for school—a sentiment not often found in literature. Additionally, the story ingeniously weaves educational elements into the narrative, providing readers with insights into butterflies and other exciting topics and fostering an environment of learning while immersed in an engaging plot.

Middle-grade and teen readers will enjoy the mystery and adventure the author takes them on in this novel. With relatable characters and situations that most school children endure, this book will surely capture and hold their interest. The overall experience of reading Project First Flight: Putney Hicks Inventor Adventures is thoroughly enjoyable. Tufft's eloquent prose and compelling storytelling render this a commendable book.

[Debbie Hightower · Rating 5 out of 5]

No one ever told Putney Hicks that she couldn’t do something. Whether the task at hand is raising butterflies, designing and building a surfboat, raising funds for a hurricane pet project, or improving her butterfly swim stroke, Putney is unstoppable. When it comes to personal relationships, though, she has as many challenges as the typical adolescent. There were a lot of things I enjoyed about this installment in the Putney Hicks series. The STEAM school on Hilton Head provided the perfect backdrop for the science, technology, engineering and math challenges navigated by Putney along with her family and classmates. And most of all, her successful efforts to keep Sam’s advanced-tech 3-D printed hummingbird robot under wraps provided additional excitement. Author Marsha Tufft combines engineering knowledge with storytelling prowess. This compelling read reminded me of Nancy Drew meets Encyclopedia Brown. I can’t think of a better book designed to inspire middle-grades readers.

[Tricia Gardella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Active and full of information

I found Project First Flight well written with great character development and lots of interesting and well-researched information. But so much information and different platforms that sometimes it gets exhausting and you can’t help but wonder if there is more than one book going here. I also felt all the focus on the bunk beds and ‘boat’ slowed the beginning of the book down and wonder if the diagrams and instructions wouldn’t be better placed in back matter?

[Venus · Rating 5 out of 5]

another masterpiece

These books are so much fun. I’ve read the entire series so far and will probably continue to do so as the author puts out more.

The stories are entertaining and educational and full of really cool and unique ideas. Characters are a lot of fun and main character especially is so great to get to know

[Janet Ashmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love the suspense. This is great not only for kids, but adults! (I am buying the whole set for my own library!) Also-it is educational and the kids wont even realize how much they are learning!

[N Bookstagram · Rating 4 out of 5]

fabulous for older kids

Really lovely book, and I love the cover! The concept of the series is brilliant, teaching kids resilience and positivity.
Real science and great characters, I’m a fan

[Curious Cow · Rating 5 out of 5]

thrilling adventure

Absolutely loved this book. The lead character is amazing and the book itself has such humour and snark; which I loved! Fun and thrilling!

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
1st February 2023
TITLE: Project First Flight: Putney Hicks Inventor – Book 3
AUTHOR: Marsha Tufft
Star Rating: 5

‘A punchy plot, a smart protagonist – and a lot of problems to solve!’ The Wishing Shelf

REVIEW
Here we have another fun book from the pen of Marsha Tuft. Written with 9 – 12 year olds in mind, it´s the story of Putney, a smart and determined girl who is very much a problem solver. In this novel, she must find a way of improving her swimming if she´s to win at the next swim meet. Now, you and I would simply practice – but not Putney. She plans to utilise flapping-flight data from a hummingbird robot (you don´t see a lot of them!) to help her to improve her butterfly stroke. What follows is a thrilling novel for children filled with interesting experiments, fully formed characters, and a cleverly plotted ending.
I´m very happy to recommend this novel to grandparents, parents and schools looking for ´smart´ novels for children to enjoy. It´s so refreshing to read a story in which the protagonist enjoys problem solving with her mind, not her fists. And that´s what you get with this book and all of the Putney Hicks novels. So, if you want to buy a book for your child that has an excellent role model in it, you can´t go too far wrong with this.

A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk


This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Project First Flight: Putney Hicks Inventor – Book 3
Author: Marsha Tufft

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 4/5

Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
“I liked all the books by this author, but this was the best. Cool robotic hummingbird, and MEGA-cool hero called Putney. There needs to be lots of book that have smart girls as the protagonist.” Girl, aged 12
“Good book. I liked it better than The Sea Turtle Spy Project which was too slow. This is faster paced and it’s interesting seeing how Putney attempts to get better at swimming. I liked her mind and how good she is a problem solving. She stays focused which is good, although she can get stressed too. The author’s excellent at writing and not overly confusing the reader.” Girl, aged 12 – with a little help from mum
“I thought this was easy to follow compared with the second book. I liked how Putney develops as an inventor. I’d love to invent stuff – very cool character. I think Putney is why this book is so good as she’s very determined and you want her to do well.” Boy reader, aged 12 – with a little help from his TA

To Sum It Up:
‘A book that will not only excite children, but it will also teach them about the importance of science. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards