Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature)
From self-taught bicycle mechanics to inventors of the first airplane is quite an amazing leap, but not when you consider the diligence, the determination, and the single-mindedness of Orville and Wilbur Wright. These bachelor brothers researched the work of others and never weakened in their resolve that man would fly. The inventive process has rarely been more vividly portrayed than in this biography. This is not only a fascinating biography of the brothers but also of their invention, which is enhanced with original photographs taken by Orville and Wilbur. 1994 (orig. 1991), Holiday House, $19.95 and $12.95. Ages 11 up.

CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices, 1991)
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. CCBC categories: History, People And Places; Biography And Autobiography. 1991, Holiday House, 129 pages, $16.95. Ages 9-14.

Kirkus (Kirkus Reviews, 1991)
Using illuminating facts and incidents to place the story of this monumental achievement in the history of aeronautics and in the brothers' personal lives, Freedman focuses on the events that led to the first successful flight and on the Wrights' subsequent improvements on their invention. Diagrams and lucid explanations of the principles of flying make the years of tinkering, experimenting, reasoning, and problem-solving even more fascinating. Though Freedman doesn't characterize Wilbur and Orville in depth, he does provide telling glimpses of the two unmarried brothers devoting themselves to working enthusiastically and amiably together ("They tinkered and fussed and muttered to themselves from dawn to dusk," reported one observer, "...At no time did I ever hear either of them render a hasty or ill-considered answer..."). In Freedman's deceptively relaxed narrative, the facts themselves are disarming: e.g., the local postmaster helped to haul the planes back uphill, and the fire brigade came regularly to stand by. The brothers' own excellent photos, reproduced in a generous size, make an outstanding contribution to both format and authenticity; they're well supplemented with appropriate additional photos. Like Lincoln (Newbery Medal, 1988), this is familiar but retold in a manner so fresh and immediate that reading it is like discovering the material for the first time. Index. 1991, Holiday House, $16.95. Starred Review. © 1991 Kirkus Reviews/VNU eMedia, Inc. All rights reserved.

T. Paul Torda (Science Books and Films (Vol. 27, No. 5))
Russell Freedman presents the story of Wilbur and Orville Wright in a book that will have wide appeal. Starting with a brief account of the efforts of earlier pioneers, Freedman goes on to give a pleasing description of the Wright brothers' systematic approach to the successful development of "the art of flying" with the first lift-off on December 14, 1903, of their powered aircraft, the Flyer. Freedman paints a warm picture of Bishop Milton Wright, the father of the two brothers, the Wright family, and the close relationship that existed between the brothers. Their perseverance, in spite of several major setbacks, led to their triumphant acceptance both in Europe and the United States. Both young and mature persons will be inspired by reading about the methodical approach of the Wright brothers. When the available data were insufficient, they built a small wind tunnel to investigate lift and drag characteristics of wing cross sections (Airfoils). They also invented the flight control system of aircraft, by developing ailerons (at first warping the wing tips) and horizontal and vertical control surfaces (elevator and rudder). Recommended, Grades 7-12, General Audience. 1991, Holiday House, 124pp., $16.95. Ages 12 to 18.

Horn Book (The Horn Book Guide, 1991)
Photographs. The Wright brothers' deep commitment to the idea of a flying machine and their contribution to aviation history are the focus of this superb, beautifully rendered, completely engrossing book. Fine photographs, many taken by Orville and Wilbur Wright, provide striking views of the early airplanes and of the people involved. Bibliography, index. Category: Nonfiction. 1991, Holiday, 129pp.. Ages 9 to 12. Rating: 1: Outstanding, noteworthy in style, content, and/or illustration.