Flying Machines: How the Wright Brothers Soared

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary School, Brunswick, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2017

Review

This book, centered on the story of Orville and Wilbur Wright and their success lifting the first flying machine into the air, joins this excellent Science Comics graphic novel series of nonfiction titles.The book is narrated by Katharine Wright, youngest sister of the brothers and eventual public relations director for the fame that came with their invention. Using a muted palette of browns, yellows, and navy blue this book is a denser read then many graphic novels, so it should be shared with those who truly want to read their comics. It would be great for a school report as it is sourced and includes a glossary of terms. There are also short biographies of some of the major players in the flying game around the time of the Wright Brothers. It would be nice if the bindings were hardier as these books circulate often, but the book is a fascinating read and a nice addition to a nonfiction graphic novel collection.

Overall Book Score: very good