The Wright Brothers First Flight
A fly on the wall history

The Wright Brothers First Flight

On December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers made history with the world's first successful powered flight of a heavier-than-air aircraft at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This momentous event, known as the Wright Brothers' First Flight, marked the beginning of the aerial age and paved the way for modern aviation.

The Wright Flyer, the aircraft used in this historic flight, was the culmination of a four-year research and development program conducted by Wilbur and Orville Wright starting in 1899. During this time, the brothers pioneered many of the fundamental principles and techniques of aeronautical engineering, such as using a wind tunnel and flight testing as design tools.

The Wright Brothers' First Flight: A Fly on the Wall History is a children's book that takes readers on a journey alongside two cartoon flies as they follow Orville and Wilbur Wright on their quest for flight. This book, part of the Fly on the Wall History series, is aimed at 2nd to 3rd grade reading levels and provides a unique perspective on this historic event.

The book is available in both paperback and hardcover formats from various retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, and Walmart. It offers a fun and engaging way for young readers to learn about the Wright brothers' groundbreaking achievement and the early days of aviation.

Author: George Shea

He has written numerous books, with a focus on engaging young readers through historical narratives. Shea's work often aims to make history accessible and relatable to children, using imaginative storytelling techniques. Shea's writing is particularly targeted at elementary-grade children, helping to build reading confidence while introducing them to important historical events and figures in an enjoyable manner.

Book Details:

  • Publisher: Picture Window Books
  • Format: Paperback
  • Print length: 32 pages
  • Dimensions: 22.86 x 0.64 x 25.4 cm
  • Reading age: 6-8 years old
  • Publication date: 1 Jan. 2017
  • ISBN: 978-1479597918

Read alongside these topics:

What Inspired George Shea to Write "First Flight"?

Author: George Shea

George Shea, the author of "First Flight: The Story of Tom Tate and the Wright Brothers", was inspired by the true story of a young boy named Tom Tate who befriended the Wright brothers and became a test pilot for their early glider experiments at Kitty Hawk.

Shea was particularly drawn to the idea of a relatable child character experiencing the excitement and wonder of the Wright brothers' pioneering flights firsthand. By telling the story from Tom Tate's perspective, Shea was able to make the historical events more accessible and engaging for young readers.

In addition to the compelling story of Tom Tate, Shea was inspired by the Wright brothers themselves and their remarkable achievements in aviation. He wanted to introduce children to this important moment in history in an enjoyable way that would spark their interest and imagination.

By blending historical facts with imaginative storytelling, Shea was able to create an entertaining and educational book that brings the Wright brothers' first flights to life for a new generation of readers. The inclusion of Tom Tate as a central character was key to Shea's vision for making this pivotal moment in history come alive for children.

Discover Hands-On Education