| Rocket Boys is the inspiring story of Homer Hickam, Jr., a typical American youth who, inspired by the birth of the NASA space program, found success from humble beginnings in the mountains of West Virginia.
Hickam is the son of a coal mine superintendant. His fascination with space is fueled by the encouragement of a high school science teacher. Hickam rallies his friends to form a group that is the antithesis of the school jocks. They are the Rocket Boys. Their experiments with rocket science (especially rocket fuel) provide amusing antics while demonstrating the power of perservance and passion for your dreams. This memoir was the basis of the film October Sky. It reads well even if you don't think you have an interest in science, rockets, or NASA. It is a good slice of American life in the era of the Cold War and man's race to the moon. | ||
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Plot & Themes job/profession: Job/profession/poverty story Yes Period of greatest activity? - 1950+ Subject of Biography Gender - Male Profession/status: Ethnicity - White Nationality - American Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 8 () United States Yes The US: - Midwest Mountains/Cliffs Yes Small town? Yes Small town people: - nice, like Andy/Opie/Aunt Bee Century: - 1960's-1970's Writing Style Book makes you feel? - like laughing Pictures/Illustrations? - More 6-10 B&W How much dialogue in bio? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog How much of bio focuses on most famous period of life? - 51%-75% of book |
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