The Wright Brothers by David McCullough

Several years ago, the elementary school where I was working hosted a year-long celebration of the centennial of flight; amongst other activities, we diagrammed the roughly 21’ long by 40’ wingspan of the Wright Flyer in the library. Throughout the year, we learned many other fascinating facts, hosted a hot air balloon visit and even experimented with a small wind tunnel prototype.  As a result, I was very excited to see the new book by Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough, The Wright Brothers.

McCullough had access to over one thousand private letters and conversations with Wright descendants, culminating in a fascinating look at the two brothers, Wilbur and 4 years younger Oliver, and their family, including sister Katherine. His attention to details – a “house that lacked indoor plumbing and electricity but was filled with books and a love of learning” – makes the inventing duo from Dayton, Ohio even more real. Their disappointments, frustrations and ultimate success are all expertly chronicled and supported with over 250 source notes and an extensive bibliography.  Students and staff will certainly take-off with The Wright Brothers. 

This title received starred reviews from Booklist and Library Journal and was also named an Amazon best book of May 2015.  Additional reviews (how can we not marvel at the amazing feat of flight?) include "The Workingest Boys" in The Wall Street Journal and "New McCullough Book Celebrates the Wright Brothers" from ABC News.