The Wright Brothers for Kids

May 1, 2003
Joining the spate of titles celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first successful flight are two of particular interest to kids wanting to learn more about the related science and technology. Mary Kay Carson's The Wright Brothers for Kids: How They Invented the Airplane combines a detailed and invigorating history of the Wright Brothers' work with archival photographs and clear, illustrated directions for 21 projects. Interspersed throughout the text, the activities include building a curved kite, an airfoil and a model glider.

June 1, 2003
Gr 4-8-A treasure trove of activities awaits readers of this wonderfully executed survey of the Wright brothers and their invention. The narrative flows easily and is complemented by numerous photographs that give a sense of history and this event. Boxed descriptions of other early flight pioneers enhance Carson's presentation and situate the brothers within their contextual company. The author then introduces 21 activities-hands-on opportunities with gliders; pitch, roll, and yaw; propellers; and, tangentially, Morse code (send a telegram like the Wrights); anemometer (make one to measure the wind); and scones (bake some up like Orville at Kitty Hawk). This is a valuable resource for student reports and projects, and for classroom units. The book opens with an extensive time line; a well-developed glossary, Web sites, and real sites to visit round it out.-Harriett Fargnoli, Great Neck Library, NY

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