Highly Entertaining Read.
I enjoyed this true life story so much I bought a copy for our grand children. It is inspirational, I would like to see it on the reading list for middle schools everywhere. When young people are motivated, encouraged and supported, they can and many times will do amazing things. To struggle through some difficult circumstances, have some expected support and some un-expected opposition and to achieve their goals was a great story. The relationship between Homer and his father will be related to by many. One page will have you laughing and the next will have you in tears.
I loved it.
If you were born in the 40s
If you were born in the 40s as I was, in New York, reading Rocket Boys (The Coalwood Series #1) will take you back to the time you 'heard' about the coaltowns in West Virginia. This story will match your memories ... not to mention your memories of the era it represents. I LOVED it!
escape via rocket
escape via rocket, October 6, 2008
By V. N. Dvornychenko (Rockville, MD) - See all my reviews
Part "Angela's Ashes" (Frank McCourt) and part "I Aim for the Stars" (Werner von Braun), Rocket Boys (The Coalwood Series #1) chronicles the efforts of a teenage boy to escape the confines of his West Virginia coal-mining milieu. Fourteen-year-old Homer/Sonny Hickam (the protagonist and author) is determined not to follow in the footsteps of his coalminer father - who is already showing signs of black-lung disease, a disease which will eventually kill him.
Homer/Sonny has an older brother, of whom he is very resentful. Among his brother's "sins" are ease with the girls, success at high school football - and most of all - favor ... Read More
Charming and inspirational
Loved Rocket Boys (The Coalwood Series #1). Was on the last chapter when I threw October Sky into my Netflix queue; Hoping I'd have it in hand when the book was finished. Timing was perfect. As usual, the book eclipses the movie, but both are great. Passing it onto my 10 year old son who already has aspirations of going into the sciences. Enjoy!
school project
Was purchased due to a requirement by my childs school. He has informed me it is a good book.
