Wilbur and Orville Wright

* Reviews *

Many of the illustrations in these books are screen shots of Web pages related to the topics. The highlighted sites have interesting information, but are not necessarily on a childs level. Students would have to be highly motivated to explore even a fraction of them. Still, these are decent report biographies. They are well researched and fully referenced. The first title has some good-quality images of the Wright brothers flights. Four activities related to flight and aerodynamics are included. The directions are fairly clear, although there are no step-by-step illustrations. Bernard Ryans The Wright Brothers (Watts, 2003) has more personal information about the subjects; it is perhaps a better choice for those looking for a traditional biography. For those interested in having the Internet and activity resources, this is a good choice. Youngs writing is fluid and has a minimum of fictionalization. Two activities designed to help students understand assembly lines and car design are included. Again, there are no illustrations. Although the author acknowledges his subjects accomplishments in creating the Ford Motor Company, he writes critically of Fords anti-Semitism and anti-unionism. For example, in describing the Battle of the Overpass, he calls Fords men hired thugs, while Michael Burgan in Henry Ford (Ferguson, 2001) calls them Fords security force. Young also puts a more negative spin on Fords peace mission during World War I. For those looking for a warts and all view, this is a good choice., School Library Journal March 2008