What Inspired George Shea to Write "First Flight"?
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.
