This is a nice primary biography of the first man to complete a man-powered plane. The writing is simple and basically provides an introduction to the man from the viewpoint of his skeptical child neighbor. All in all, very well done. The illustrations are great and author's note at the end gives further biographical information. ( )

Seymour tells a simple story of Melville Murray, who in 1876 designed and flew a glider aircraft, years before the Wright brothers flew. This tale is told through the eyes of a neighbor who watches as Murray obsesses about flight. Through study of birds, and creative designs that incorporated bird-like structure,'Murray succeeded at flying a glider a few feet. ( )