Katharine, The Wright Sister

While aviation pioneers Orville and Wilbur Wright, inventors of the first successful airplane, are well-known figures, less is known about their younger sister, Katharine. Wood’s (The President’s Wife) latest historical fiction delves deep into Katherine’s contributions to the family’s endeavors. While managing their bicycle business and working as a teacher, she procured materials, conducted research, scheduled and held social gatherings, and supported her brothers even when it meant giving up her own aspirations. The three siblings made a pact to forsake all others to make their flying dreams come true; throughout her life, Katharine would question whether the sacrifices were worth it. Emerson’s novel showcases one woman’s largely unrecognized talents and contributions to progress and science. Rachel Botchan’s narration of Katharine conveys her love for her family as well as her determination, ingenuity, and intelligence. Jim Frangione and Pete Bradbury narrate Orville and Wilbur, providing intriguing information on their aviation experiments and insight into their scientific observations of the world.