The Wright Brothers (Nonfiction Biography)

The Wright Brothers, written by Pamela Duncan Edwards and illustrated by Henry Cole is a picture book about the lives of Orville and Wilbur Wright. The events of their childhood that sparked their interest in flight are discussed. The brothers were inspired by birds and a toy given to them by their father. The book highlights all of their accomplishments including a printing press designed by the brothers. Their trials and errors in designing the first airplane are described. The story is very entertaining because there are little mice on each page making comments. Some of them are factual while others are silly and humorous. I would use this book when studying nonfiction biographies, and also when integrating reading and social studies. North Carolina history encompasses the story of the Wright brothers because their first flight took place at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.