Orville and Wilbur Wright diligently photographed each phase of their experiments in order to learn from their mistakes as well as keep a pictorial record of their progress. Because of their almost obsessive attention to detail, an amazing record of their accomplishments still exists. Freedman's incorporation of some of this archival material brings a dynamic visual dimension to previous accounts about the two brothers' efforts to create a machine which could be flown. The author's skillful uses of unfamiliar details about the lives of two siblings who worked, lived and even "thought together" makes compelling reading. His lucid explanation of the physics of flight rounds out this interpretation of the important technological milestone achieved by two very human beings. (Ages 9-14)

A Newbery Honor-winning biography of the men whose experiments brought about the Age of Flight. 

This engaging narrative account of Orville and Wilbur Wright, two men with little formal schooling but a knack for solving problems, follows their interest from a young age in the developing field of aeronautics.  Russell Freedman’s writing brings the brothers’ personalities to life, enhancing the record of events with excerpts from the brothers’ writing and correspondence, and accounts of those who knew them.

Chronicling their lives from their early mechanical work on toys and bicycles through the development of several flyers, The Wright Brothers follows the siblings through their achievements—not only the first powered, sustained, controlled airplane flight, but the numerous improvements and enhancements that followed, their revolutionary airplane business, and the long legacy of that first brief flight.

Illustrated with numerous historical photographs—many taken by the Wright brothers themselves—this is a concise, extremely reader-friendly introduction to these important American inventors.

Includes a note on the Wright brothers’ photographs, as well as recommendation for further reading and learning.