Read the story of Wilbur and Orville Wright’s pioneering efforts at flight — and the important role their sister Katherine played in bringing her brothers’ inventions to the world.

Colorful History #81 “The Wright Brothers: First to Fly” is a four-page comic and teaching guide commemorating the 120th anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ first powered flight on Dec. 17, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, produced in collaboration with  Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum.

Created by Orville and Wilbur Wright, the 1903 Wright Flyer used innovations in control, lift, and propulsion — all pioneered by the Wright brothers — to fly a mere hundreds of feet for less than a minute and change the course of human history. Its creation is an
American story of homegrown ingenuity, innovation, and teamwork.

The comic and teaching guide summarize the events leading up to, including, and following the Wright Brothers’ first flight. Readers will learn about STEAM principles related to flight and airplanes as well as some of the challenges that Wilbur and Orville faced in realizing their vision of a powered airplane. Readers will also be introduced to Wilbur’s and Orville’s sister, Katherine Wright, who played an instrumental role in the brothers’ success.

Estimated Lexile Levels:

Comic: 810 – 1000
Endnotes: 1010 – 1200

Projects and discussion questions are aligned to Common Core standards for grades 4-6.

• Story by Phil Steffes, Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum
• Art by Ally Shwed
• Lettering by R. Alan Brooks