"Though enthusiastic commentary flanks the moment-by-moment account, the description of Wilbur's skilled, unruffled performance creates an understated tone. Realistic gouache watercolors offer varying perspectives that give scale to both statue and plane. Bookending the story is a second one about a boy who was inspired on that day; intermittent spreads depict sepia-toned portraits of Juan Trippe--who would later found Pan American Airways--alongside imagined spectator comments." -- Publishers Weekly "Burleigh's exciting account of Wilbur Wright's spectacular demonstration flight around the Statue of Liberty unfolds from two perspectives, captured through different narrative voices and color palettes.Fans of early aviation will enjoy this book, but they should make sure not to skip the back matter." -- Booklist "On Sept. 29, 1909, Wilbur Wright, co-inventor of the airplane, piloted his Wright Flyer around the Statue of Liberty for six and a half minutes. Awestruck spectators, most of whom had never witnessed a flight, included journalists, photographers, and 10-year-old Juan Trippe and his parents.

Children read/hear the voices of Juan and his parents (set in italicized type), making their presence immediate. This punctuates the dramatic third-person narration, expressed in a terse present tense that adds suspense." -- Kirkus Reviews.