Customer Reviews

My Brothers' Flying Machine: Wilbur, Orville, and Me

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This is a wonderful book! The perspective of this story
from Orville & Wilbur's little sister, Katherine, is
unique and charming. The book reads really well out
loud for all ages, and should be a perfect read-by-myself
book for a 3rd,4th or 5th grade reader. And the
beautiful illustrations, by Jim Burke, set a perfect tone and feel throughout the book. I highly recommend this one!

Jane Yolen is again at her best. She has a delightful way of portraying the Wright Brothers' sibling, Katharine as a strong female character in a usually male-dominated milieu. The reader immediately connects with this protagonist and feels pride in the role Katharine plays in her brothers' history-making event.
After seeing illustrator Jim Burke's breathtaking illustrations in his first book for young people: POETRY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE - WALT WHITMAN, I was delighted to see his work appear side by side with the great Jane Yolen. Burke has captured emotions brilliantly. His attention to detail serves to transport the reader vicariously to Katharine's neighborhood of 100 years ago. A truly budding genius.

Such were the words of Orville Wright, the other half of the famous Wright brothers. This book is unique because it is told from the perspective of Katharine Wright, younger sister to both Orville and Wilbur, and it turns out Katharine was quite essential in the Wright brother's success. She provided moral support, managed household chores whilst the brothers toiled at their various inventions, and ran their bicycle store whilst the brothers were trying out their flying machine at Kitty Hawk. This book is a wonderful tribute to an unsung hero - the devoted sister who worked behind the scenes, providing unwavering support to her brilliant brothers.

The story of the Wright brothers from Katharine's perspective is lyrically captured by author Jane Yolen in verse. The illustrations are by talented artist Jim Burke, and the paintings are beautifully rendered. The author also explains (at the end) how her work reflects actual research on the subject. It makes for an interesting and enlightening read, and it is also inspiring because it has a strong female role model in the form of Katharine Wright. In a field (aviation) where the most notable female is Amelia Earhart, this makes for a refreshing read. Recommended for ages 4-8.