Homer Hickam official Web site - October Sky/Rocket Boys, The Keeper's Son.

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Thank you to all the kind teachers who gave permission to reprint their special letters about their experiences with the Rocket Boys' story in their classrooms. We are thrilled to have heard from over 300 schools who are studying about the Rocket Boys of Coalwood, WV last year alone. This story is a celebration of YOU, who in our opinion are "angels on earth", the unselfish educators who make a such a difference to the youth of our nation. We honor and thank all of you for this investment in our future.

"H.H. Therapy" works
Dear Homer Hickam: I want you to know that your work is continuing to inspire and change young lives in West Virginia. I was born and raised here in the 60's, the granddaughter of a retired miner. He was a grand old gent with a coal tattoo, so I am no stranger to mining. My parents were merchants in town. My ambition was to become a counseling psychologist instead of entering the family businesses.

Much of my favorite labor is in dealing with court-ordered "youthful offenders" (what we used to call juvenile delinquents). Of course, mine is the last face they wish to see, and I routinely encounter hostility, resentment and aggression. Basically, I wear them down and wear them out until I can get them to a place where I can work with them.

Anyway, at some point in their therapy, they are ready for what I call "The Homer Hickam Plan" (documented as "H.H. Therapy" in the case notes). Fully aware that they will never read the book, I compel them to rent October Sky, and to give a full report at our next session. I do this by the simple expedient of holding the evil threat over their heads of an unsatisfactory report to their probation officer.

I can tell in an instant when a young man has seen the film. He looks different - - there is a gleam in the eye, a new smile, perhaps an improved posture. We spend the entire session laughing and talking about the movie. I provide positive reinforcement by offering to let them leave early. To date, not one of them has taken me up on it.

For those unfortunates who have not complied, nor are they able to answer my six questions to prove their experience, I open their chart and read to them a pre-prepared letter to the court, requesting six more months of therapy. This always works.

Please know that several of these young people have been able to learn the lesson and to get their lives back on track. The lesson of course is not to become a rocket scientist, but to keep on trying. (Unfortunately, the "H.H. Therapy" is not as effective with females. They tend to fall in love with Jake How-ever-you-spell-his-name, and thus lose the lesson). On a personal note, I am a devoted reader of your work, and am now working on The Coalwood Way. I love to laugh right out loud while I'm tucked in reading your delightful books. I bookmark the hilarious portions and read them aloud to my friends and family. So far, the favorites seem to be your fight with Jim, and the incident in the mule barn. Thank you very much. Aim High!

Another Rocket Boy miracle
Dear Linda and Homer, The most amazing event took place this past Tuesday at school. During the spring when I was using the schools' digital camera to take pictures of my students reading October Sky, I locked it in what I thought was a secure room in my trailer (we are so large a school, we need them). Well, it got stolen when someone kicked in two doors to get to it. On the first day I got back from summer, I discovered my telescope missing from its' large carton. I had owned this scope for 25 years and had taken it to school for math and science. We looked at sunspots this past spring. The year was certainly off to a bad start.

Tuesday morn I was going next door to the other room of the trailer and discovered on top of the telescope box an envelope. The top of it said 'FIX IT UP WITH THIS' and along the bottom was scribbled 'Everyone can make a change in life and a change in lifestyle'. I opened the envelope and there was $50 in crumpled 5's and 10's. Then I lifted up the lid and there lay my telescope. A little beat up but someone had taken delicate steps to try and repair it. I went to tell the administration about this miracle, especially since they had been so cynical about me having a personal item at school. While talking with them,I suddenly realized what the other scribbles on the envelope were: an arrow and 2 eyes and the words 'sony back'. I rushed back to the room with the box, laid the envelope back in its original position, followed the arrow and sitting on a pile of papers sat the digital camera. The top of the envelope said simply "sorry" in purple pencil. I found out later that the handle to my front door had been broken the night before. This person with a changed heart had actually broken into my room to return these items. Talk about enhancing my faith in humanity. The school officials had never heard of this happening before but perhaps thats' because they never believed it could. Hope that helps make your day a little better, you have certainly done enough of that for us.

Earth Science Classes use the October Sk and Back to the Moon
Hello Mr. Hickam, I am just one more of many that have loved your books and applied them to my 8th grade Earth science classes. I wrote a grant last year and obtained $500 to buy 25 copies of Rocket Boys/October Sky and a great deal of rocket materials. We held bi-weekly booktalks and I rewarded those that stuck out the two months with a rocket kit. We learned a lot and had a great deal of fun. I had all my classes read the book this past October - I love the scientific method of your book - the parents loved it and it was a great way to teach many scientific concepts. I gave extra credit to those that followed up "October Sky" by reading your book "Back to the Moon" - I was proud of the 10 students that took me up on it and they loved that book too. I just finished (in one day) your new book on Coalwood, "The Coalwood Way". I truly love your writing - I wonder how many people have caught on to the hints you gave about Quentin pre-discovering pantyhose, velcro, and teflon cookware! Your story is inspiring!! I love to tell the kids that you were not a genius in school - just someone that was truly motivated to succeed in life. Congratulations for all your successes!

I am including my web page from school - I am proud of it - it has your book and a brief synopsis of the project: http://www.mentorschools.org/Personal%20WWW%20Pages/WWW.Ridge/newsite/henwebpage2000/henrich.htm

Thanks again! Bill Henrich- Mentor Ridge Junior High School

English class Juniors love the book
Mr. Hickam, I teach English III (juniors) in a small rural town in East Texas. I just finished teaching Rocket Boys for the first time. I am glad to say it was a huge success. Not only did I enjoy teaching the book but my students also enjoyed reading it. Many times it is difficult to get teenagers to read, but I did not have a problem getting them to read Rocket Boys; some of them even finished reading it before the class deadline. I allowed the class to watch October Sky after they finished reading the book. They also enjoyed the movie, but with no exceptions, they all thought the book was better. I used your story to teach my students that their dreams are reachable if they are willing to work hard and make sacrifices.

I have also read Coalwood Way and enjoyed it. I am looking forward to Sky of Stone. Thank you for sharing your story with the world and writing books that are such a pleasure to read. God has truly blessed you with a remarkable talent. Again, thank you for such enjoyable reading and providing me with a wonderful book to teach to my students. Sincerely, SP

10th grade teacher uses the book for her Special Education class to study self esteem
Dear Mr. Hickam: Just writing to let you know that I enjoyed using your book as a reading assignment with my 10th grade students for the past 3 years. I am a special education teacher in a rural community in Wisconsin, and have used your book to raise the educational interest and self-esteem of my students. My students read the book (Rocket Boys) orally in class, and we discuss your story in even greater detail. We also use the film "October Sky", for further understanding and discussion. I cannot even express how your story has helped raised their self-esteem from a "I can't" to a I'll try" attitude. Working with special education students (learning and behaviorally disabled) I am always looking for true-life experiences of individuals who over-came obstacles in their lives, to pursue their dreams. Your story is an inspiration to that end. Although, I am sure you receive many emails regarding your books, I felt that I just needed let you know how much I appreciated your work, and that your story also inspired me, to elevate my expectations and goals for my students. Thank you, RK

Future social worker students inspired...
I wanted to share with you the reaction of my students to my latest showing of "October Sky." As usual, there was not a dry eye in the class at the end! One would expect students to be inspired by the story of young men, seemingly destined to life in the mines overcoming adversity and realizing their dreams. What I love the best however, is watching my future social workers fight for the underdog, root for you the others to succeed....they often share their own experiences, with parents, peers, etc. who told them college wasn't for them. I have a number of nontraditional students, who were tracked in high school for vocational school, or straight to employment in the local industries. They are now in college, balancing family and work responsibilities with academic demands...pushing themselves when they have little left to give. Your story inspires them to keep going, and I will show it every semester from now until I retire (I'm only 35 too!)

Astronomy teacher uses the movie
In my Astronomy class, I show 2 full length movies - Apollo 13 in the moon section and October Sky in the space program section. I show Apollo 13 to show how the people of our space program overcame huge odds in getting those guys back. And I show October Sky, besides the tie in to the space program, as an example of how one man overcame huge odds to make a dream come true. I use it as a tool to help kids who think they can't do science. We don't get into calculus in the intro class but there is a smattering of math and it scares people a lot. I used to show both movies at the end of the class but now show October Sky at the beginning because it gives people hope. This kid from a coal mining town, who wasn't good at math, went on to work for NASA! I ask my students to stay in touch if they want and let me know how they are doing. I got a call from a fellow who was going to drop the class because he hated math and was afraid of science. He finished with a B. He called later to tell me he had been accepted by Michigan in the science department. He attributed his success to October Sky - he kept thinking about those rockets and the small band of kids who made a dream come true. He figured he could do it too. So, Homer, thanks. Thanks for sharing your life with the rest of us. You have inspired many. How you remember all that I don't know, but I am glad you do.

I offer 10 extra points to anyone who can tell me the relationship between October Sky and Rocket Boys. No one has yet. Who first realized that they are anagrams? That and that they both make sense is pretty eerie.

Physics Teacher in Texas
I just wanted to share how meaningful the movie "October Sky" has been in my Intro Physics & Chem, Chem I, and Physics classes. I have taught in two very small, rural communities in Texas and my students strongly identified with your story. You see, my students are predominately poor and/or hispanic and they face overwhelming odds against success in the world. The main sources for jobs are agriculture (cotton) migrant labor and the oil industry. Both are greatly depressed. In addition, my kids are fighting pressures from generations of dropping out and gangs. Drugs and teen pregnancy frequently end any dreams of getting out of the rut.

Here is how we use your movie: During the first week of school, I show the movie and give a quiz. The typical high school student during any other movie usually tunes out, but there are so many parallels between their lives and the lives of the Rocket Boys, that my students are absolutely spellbound. I use the phrase that the teacher says to Homer, You can't just dream your way out of Coalwood, Homer, as a challenge for the year. I even post it as a reminder. The movie leaves the kids so excited about science. I am so grateful for the enrichment. At the end of the year, we build and launch rockets. The movie has been such an inspiration and a jumping off point for terrific discussions and further study for so many of my students.

This year, I plan to order several copies of the book, Rocket Boys. I am sure my students will eat them up. Thank you for being such a great example for those kids who need it so desperately. Thank you for writing the book and allowing the movie to be made.

Motivating Seventh graders...
We hope you will be gratified to know that for two years now, we have used October Sky as a motivational film for our seventh graders. They watch the story of your struggle to conquer your personal challenge.

After discussion, they proceed to write a narrative piece about a personal challenge in their own lives. As educators, we see the film October Sky as an inspirational piece for our kids who may view themselves at a place where they feel "blocked." Seeing Homer and the Rocket Boys figure out a way to go beyond their obstacles to realize their dreams gives kids food for thought in dealing with personal struggles in their own lives. We are glad to offer them a means to see "how to dream" in an electronic age where dreaming, purposeful or wistful, is a dying pastime.

We are currently in the process of developing an interdisciplinary thematic unit with the film as a center-piece. This unit will tie all subjects together using various aspects of the film.

RF, Team 7-B, Charles Boehm Middle School, Yardley, PA

Sophomore English class
Dear Mr. Hickam, I used the film with my sophomore English class along with the novel Montana 1948. My purpose for using the movie was for my students to explore the parent-child relationship just as they did in the novel, short stories, and poetry we also studied. What a powerful way for the kids to see how much the father truly loved his son - you! - and how much the son looked up to his father. Both fathers have positions of importance, and both boys feel they come second in their parent's life. I like the message at the end, however, that parents do what they feel is best at the time; they make mistakes but they always love their children. They also had the chance to see that teachers are actually human and do care for their students. Unlike a "Calvin and Hobbes" cartoon strip I once saw, we do not hibernate in coffins!

I read your letter to teachers to the class and shared some personal information with them. I, like many others, had several influential teachers in my life who went that "extra mile." One was the person who convinced me to become an English teacher. A few more were my Miss Rileys - tough, challenging, caring. I don't know where I'd be today - a 25-year veteran - if I hadn't had them. Your letter is so accurate; we do a disservice to our students if we don't pay attention to, guide, influence and believe in them all - not just the "rocket boys." Face it, we don't have the opportunity to teach only "rocket boys." Many of my students go on to college, but others will go into the work force, some at places like Jiffy Lube. If that is the goal, if that makes them happy, so be it. But I am going to do my best to make them learn while I have them. I've often been accused of being tough, but I'm tough because I know they can learn. Most just have to believe in themselves a little more. I am going to keep this folder of e-mails on my desk. Whenever I get a little lax in my job, whenever I'm ready to give up on someone frustrating me beyond belief, I'll have it to turn to. Thank you for telling it straight; thank you for giving me a little push to be even better in my job.

HS Science class
I teach science at a rural high school in East Tennessee. After completion of a unit of laws of motion, I showed October Sky. By coincidence, the next day was the first scheduled meeting day for clubs the school year, so after the movie I gave the pitch for joining science club. I didn't realize what an effect October sky had on my students. I usually have to beg students to join science club. We had over 45 students sign up! Thanks for telling your story. It was truly inspirational.

College freshmen leadership retreat
Mr. Hickam, This is just to let you know that we used a segment of October Sky at a weekend leadership retreat to provoke discussion of leadership characteristics, and the kids loved the clip. They enjoyed discussing how Homer's enthusiasm and determination pulled the other 3 along and how his determination to know more about rockets made him risk his own social standing and be different. It dovetailed nicely with an earlier activity in which they had to take a stand [literally] on a variety of issues and then discuss the difficulty of standing alone vs. compromise.

We started the viewing at the point that Miss Riley turned on the radio and ended with the raising of the flag over Cape Coalwood. It was a great segment for college freshmen. Thanks from Brewton-Parker College Mt. Vernon.

English Writing Teacher and class visit Coalwood, WV
I am a 9th grade English teacher in the east and I cannot tell you how much of a positive impact meeting you and the overall Coalwood Experience at the October Sky Festival October 7, 2000 made on our small band of creative writing Adventurers. It was a fantastic day for all of us and I am so glad we made the effort to bus in from our city. You and the people of Coalwood have created a wonderful experience for them.

Here, we have had a good year in the classroom. We started reading Rocket Boys/October Sky because I felt it was such an inspirational novel for young people to begin the year, far more inspirational, interesting, and meaningful than, say, The Scarlet Letter.

My hunch was right, and the year has been very good so far. One ninth grader asked me not long ago if I would be here two years from now, because he wanted to be in the class so that he could read October Sky and maybe go to Coalwood.

From Hickam, we went on to Hemingway, starting with The Snows of Kilimanjaro," a story about a man with a talent (writing!) but who did not use it, and he dies of gangrene after being somewhat of a scavenger on others. Using one's talents is a theme in the Hickam and Hemingway works, and I used this point to generate discussion and written responses. We are now reading Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises, a book about people who do not use their talents. I guess this book is one that inspired me as a teenager as I read about people living in Europe, and compared to my hometown of Columbia, South Carolina, Paris and Pamplona, Spain seemed pretty exciting, and over the years I have taken about twenty student groups to Pamplona for the running of the bulls, camping in the Pyrenees, and more.

Another good book we will read is Ivan Doig's English Creek. It takes place in the West in the 30's and is about the homespun virtues of growing up in hard times. Doig has a good feeling capturing the important emotions of youth and growing up, but his style is a bit challenging to many young readers. Another fabulous book we read is All the Pretty Horses of Cormac McCarthy. Wow, what fun this one is! I am thankful to have such great works for young people to discuss.

Math Teacher has question...
Mr. Hickam, I am a high school math teacher, and I am having my Trigonometry and Calculus classes read your book. I talked with their English teachers and worked it out where they could read it for their English class as well. The way I would like to use your book in my math classes is to apply some of the mathematical concepts you used in your experiments. I am going to have the students build rockets from the kits available in stores, and have them shoot off their rockets. I want them to try to calculate the height of their rocket. However, in your book, you don't really explain which formulas you had to use for some of these calculations. You also mention several mathematical calculations in the chapter "We Do the Math," but I can't figure out which formulas you are using. I realize you are very busy, but if you could help me find out which equations would be best to use, I would be so grateful. I am still new to teaching, and I want desperately to get my kids excited about math.

Answer from Homer: My book Rocket Boys, of course, wasn't written as a guide to rocket engine or flight calculations. The equations for rocket engine design that we used for the design of De Laval nozzles required a knowledge of calculus and differential equations along with a great deal of experimental data just to begin them. The latter is nearly as important as the knowledge of math. Remember, the Rocket Boys of the Big Creek Missile Agency had years of experience before we ever reached that level. Usually, a student would need the math and science background of at least a college junior in a mechanical engineering curriculum to attempt these equations. However, if you have students who still want to try them, I would recommend going to the mechanical engineering department at your state university to gain a text on rocket engine design and focus on the rocket nozzle. This was where we did most of our math.

As for altitude (an easier situation), we rocket boys used trigonometry (very well described in the book with our use of at least two theodolites to determine the angles from the ground to the highest point of flight (or apogee) of the rocket). We also used the equation S = 1/2 at 2 (square) where S is altitude, a is 32 (ft per sec per sec, the gravitational acceleration constant) and t is the time from the highest point to when the rocket hits the ground. The rockets your students build, however, presumably use parachutes and I'm afraid our equation is of little use since it only works for free-flyers. The trig should work, however. Get a big flat field, measure the angles to the rocket at its highest point, measure your bases, figure out your tangents and you're there. Good luck! HHH

Fifth grade teacher reads the book with them and asks:
"Is Sonny's mother, Elsie, like your mother? Describe the likenesses and differences?" Students answer :) Well, she is nice and keeps herself healthy. She loves her son and bugs him with stuff, but they dress differently.

Yes, she has a sense of humor and they both like to cook good dinners and go to church.

Yes, because my mom is always worried about my safety. My mom, if I asked her to build and launch rockets, she wouldn't say, "Yes, just don't blow yourself up."

Yes, very strict and if you quit, she lets you know she didn't like a quitter.

No, my mom yells more. They both are nice.

My mom and Elsie are strict and always care if you quit something they know it is important to you.

My mother encourages me to go for things I believe in. She isn't a house wife and painter like Elsie. She has a job that involves going to a place. But she cannot paint.

Sonny's mom and my mom are alike because they are not really strict or mean. They are alike because my mom would have yelled at me for mother of the stuff they did, too.

Elsie is like my mother because she is caring and forgiving. She is different because my mother does not like to paint and she is a lot younger than Elsie.

Yes, because my mother is nice and understanding but can be a little strict like Elsie. The differences would be that my mom doesn't dream about going to Myrtle Beach and that my mom is from Keyser, not Gary.

****Answers to another question, "Would you have like Sonny to be your friend?"

Yes, because he always gave a lot of help and hope to those around him.

Yes, because he seems like he would be a great friend, very loyal.

I would have liked Sonny as a friend because when we got older we would have become famous and written books.

I would like to have Sonny as my friend because he is a hard worker and he likes nature as much as I do.

Yes, because I like rockets and he accepts his other friends' ideas without arguing with them.

Yes. You could fly rockets all the time, get to work with moonshine, and learn calculus.

I love you Homer
Hi Homer, I am a lead teacher of a three year old class in Tacoma. We learned about your story and painted "October Sky" rockets. They look really neat hanging up in our room. I just drew the rocket and had them paint it white. They loved it. I showed pictures from the movie and told them all about you. Those kids were all ears and definitely enjoyed the pictures. We decided to write you a letter. Mind you, they're three year olds: :) enjoy!!!

Taylor: I love you.

Nikaya: Come to my house.

Tim: Elmo's Rocket rules.

Michael: I wanna show you my Pooh Bear song.

Nick: I love you.

Stefan: Come home.

Michelle M.: I want to tell you about my "Dinosaur" book.

Leily: Come to my Birthday.

Anjelika: Hi.

Benny: I love you!

Nae Nae: How are you?

Miss Margo: I hope you like what we had to say to you. We think you're super cool. Have a nice day!

Sincerely,
Miss Margo and Ms Stephanie's three year old DiNO DeN 2 class at Kid's Country in Tacoma, Washington.

Another question for Homer Hickam
We are presently preparing for a high school science fair and I have some students who are interested in rocket building. Can you give suggestions on where to start on making jet propulsion fuel? Perhaps some that will not explode the school?

We are anxiously awaiting your response. KF, Chemistry teacher

4/02/01 from Homer - Please do not try this!

I congratulate you and your students for being interested in competing in a science fair. It is a wonderful way to learn how to present a scientific problem and its solution. I must say, however, that I certainly don't recommend constructing your own home-made rocket and definitely recommend against mixing your own propellant. Perhaps you and your students should read my book "Rocket Boys" (also known as "October Sky") together and there you'll see how the other boys and I actually built our rockets. The movie, if that is what you're basing your question on, had many technical errors. We would have never mixed alcohol over an open flame, for instance. Also, potassium chlorate (mentioned in the movie) is extremely sensitive and can, if used as an oxidizer, easily explode. I never used it. The mixing of home-brew rocket propellant is exceptionally hazardous. The Rocket Boys experimented over a three-year period. We were lucky but also cautious. We had men walking around Coalwood missing fingers and thumbs from working with blasting caps and they were testaments to the power of explosives. We also had at our disposal a completely outfitted machine shop and master machinists. I estimated recently it would cost around $25,000 today to reproduce one of our rockets. They were quite sophisticated and required a working knowledge of calculus and differential equations to design. I cannot stress enough how dangerous it would be for you to try to recreate our work. Remember, we started with the basics and built very slowly on everything until we had a body of knowledge, not only of rocket science but also of rocket safety.

Today, the way to go is to build the rocket kits until you've learned everything you can. I personally build kits these days and have a lot of fun doing it. The loss of fingers and eyes (not to mention your life) is almost a certainty if you try to do what the Rocket Boys did without years of preparation and study. Even then, you'd be breaking state and federal laws. The world has changed a lot since the days of the Rocket Boys. If you'll go to our web site (www.homerhickam.com ), you'll find links to amateur and model rocketry organizations who can help you enjoy the safe and fun hobby of rocketry without the likely result of disaster if you try to build your own.

Best wishes, Homer Hickam

Math teacher uses Rocket Boys story to inspire
Dear Mr. Hickam, I just wanted to email you to thank you for the inspiration your story has provided. I teach Advanced Physics in a small town in North Central Pa. After reading your book, and then watching October Sky, I was compelled to share it with my Advanced Physics class.

At the end of the movie there was not a dry eye in the room. Your story was an inspiration to 12 of Jersey Shore's best and brightest. Because of this, I have been able to use model rocketry as a part of my class this year. Model rockets have enabled my students to safely study the effects of air resistance on fast moving objects. This is something that is nearly impossible to do safely in a high school Physics class. The calculations are also extremely difficult for high school students to peform. However, after my students viewed �October Sky�, they very willingly dove into the 3-4 pages worth of calculations that were necessary to determine things such as maximum altitude, speed and stability for a single rocket flight. I was quite astounded by diligence displayed by these kids, and I feel that I have you and your great story to thank for this. We recently launched the rockets that the kids designed and built. Some were hobby rocket kits, but others were rockets that were designed by the kids themselves. Without any prior notice to other members of the school, a crowd of close to 30 students and teachers showed up to watch. A great time was had by all, and more importantly A LOT of learning took place. Thank you.

"I won't"
Dear Mr. Hickam, No reply is necessary. I only want to tell you about what happened in my classroom yesterday. I teach 8th grade at a low-income, Title I, middle school in the south. Our students come from both the surrounding rural areas and an old, impoverished black community. Despite their differences, our student population is wonderfully tolerant and gets along quite well.

So much of what I teach is not Language Arts. I try desperately to arm my kids with the emotional self-defenses they will need not just to succeed in the future, but to survive in the future. We spend a lot of time on self-esteem and cultural diversity. We talk often about ways they can make their lives different from their parents' lives.

As we approached the last week of school, I decided to show October Sky in one last attempt to share the message that we do not have to be what other people have decided we should be. The student response was overwhelming. We started the first half yesterday and will finish the movie today and by fourth period, my first period students were wandering into my room to ask if they could stay after school to watch the end of the movie.

After yesterday's showing, I asked the kids a question that will appear on their test: How is your life like Homer Hickam's? The responses were overwhelming and powerful. They said things like, "Sometimes my house feels like that coal mine. I might never get out of there" or "My Dad is just like his (or just like Roy Lee's...)" One girl, a student who rarely participates, raised her hand, and said shyly, "I know exactly how he feels. My grandma always tells me I'll have a baby by the time I'm fifteen. I won't." After the bell rang, each class seemed unwilling to move (very unusual for 8th graders) and seemed to want to continue talking.

Your story has given my students words to describe their own lives. Better yet, it has given them a glimpse into a future they can claim as their own. I have read a few excerpts from your book, Rocket Boys, to them and they hung on every word. So thank you very much not just for sharing your story but for having the courage to change your life. I can only hope you've changed my students lives as well.

At- Risk Kids
Mr Hickam, I am a teacher working with at-risk 10 to 17 year olds who are either in the juvenile justice system or identified at-risk because of their family background. In classes of twelve at-a-time I work with these children on communication skills, anger management, goal setting and action plans, and resisting negative peer pressure. My students are either at the local juvenile detention center, a home for abandoned/neglected/abused children, or an alternative school for behavioral problems.

Several months ago after renting "October Sky" I immediately recognized the value your story would have on these children, many of whom our society has decided are "headed for trouble." This Saturday was the fifth class to whom I've shown your film. I thought you might like to know the impact your story makes on these young people.

Most of my students have not seen "October Sky." I use the film after I have taught two lessons on goal setting and anger management. They are riveted to the story. The discussions afterward are lively, animated, and on-target for the themes I am trying to emphasize through your story. Several of my students offer excellent insights into the complicated nature of your father (as he was portrayed in the film) and on the impact of having responsible mentors in one's life. Each time I show the film I am convinced that your story will have an impact on most of their lives.

This week I'm going to begin reading the books you've written. I plan on approaching some of our funding sponsors to secure copies to hand out to my students who would like one. I have a hunch many of them will benefit enormously. Given that many of these children will either leave the detention center and go back into less-than-desirable family situations, or be placed outside of their homes, it is essential that these children learn how to be their own best advocate, and how to find mentors to whom they can count on. Thanks for sharing your life story in such a way as to convince my students that they CAN succeed.

Another teacher lights the fuse
Dear Mr. Hickam, I cannot tell you how much your husbands book and motion picture has influenced and inspired the students that I teach. Myself along with a teaching partner have created a rocketry club at the middle school where we teach. Students that didn't think they had a thing going for them or having no interest that sparked their imaginations, have joined with us in learning the mathematics, design, and science behind the world of rocketry.

We have pulled students out of a spiraling downward grade and have given them something to strive for. I myself have encouraged many of them to read Homer's book, and them come back and talk with me not only about what they have read but of dreams and ideas that they thought no one would be willing to listen to.

Thanks so much for your husband's story and his success, it has many influences around the world and right here at our home. I am sure you have heard many stories like this before, but I just wanted to share with you that the Dream is still alive!!! We are forever aiming SKYWARD.

Planting a seed of hope
Dear Mr. Hickam - I just want to thank you for recording your example of determination and intestinal fortitude that is exemplified in "October Sky" and in your books. I am a special education teacher for kids who have behavior problems. For the majority of these kids if they are not "reached" by planting a seed of hope for a successful future in them by the time they are 15, we can "kiss them good-bye" as far as their being productive members of our society. I have several of this kind of student in my ED (Emotionally Disturbed) classroom. I keep telling myself, if only they could catch a vision. . .and perhaps their lives could be turned around from failure to having a dream and following that dream.

I saw your movie over the Christmas break and had the opportunity to show your movie to my students. At first they weren't interested because they thought it was made in the "olden days," but when they heard the conversation between you 4 boys, they took notice and they were "hooked." They had to leave my classroom before the movie was over, but the boy that I labored over mentally this year (He's an intelligent kid, but thinks that it's cool to get failing grades and goof off in class. Right now he has straight F's and doesn't care if he flunks his grade because he is going to quit next year and go to Job Corps. He was kicked out of school this year for bringing drug paraphernalia to school), came before the day was over and wanted to see the finish of the movie. I hope a seed of hope was planted for him. We never know...

Another Math Teacher assigns book
Dear Mr. Hickam, Having seen the movie and read the book, as a high school math teacher in suburban Atlanta, I became inspired to share your dream with my students. I teach trig to a group of very bright youngsters and as an assignment this spring, the library has purchased a classroom set of your book Rcket Boys/October Sky which we shall read together. This is the first time in my teaching experience that a book has been assigned to the whole math class. Perhaps a trend is started. It is important for them to realize that those who have achieved their ambitions once sat in the same desk as they. By the end of the year, three of my trigonometry classes had read the book and watched the movie. The applications, character development, career choices and inspiration were motivating to so many students and faculty alike. I sent the letters they had written to you at the end of the year thanking you for your story�s impact on them.

In the spring Ihad asked a parent of a former student if he could help solicit funds for more books. After he watched the movie, he said he would do whatever he could to help and promptly found a local businessman to donate $500 for books. The school board here was impressed enough with our efforts to add another $500. We thought it would be nice to include other schools and identified a predominantly minority school with which to split the funds. There will a ceremony in November at the board meeting to make the donation official and public with Superintendent and even the Governor there. All this is nice but all I really wanted was more books to inspire more young people based upon your incredible story.

We eagerly wait for more of the Rocket Boys in your new book The Coalwood Way!

Astrobiophysics
Mr. Hickam, My colleague and I heard you speak last year and told you afterwards about a dream we shared to develop a course called Astrobiophysics - a team taught course in biology and physics through the theme of space science. At the time we had trouble seeing our course as a reality, since we knew our budget for the upcoming year would be tight and taking two teachers out to teach one course would be difficult. You encouraged us to keep our dream and to take action to get it started. I am truly thankful for this!

When we returned to school, our excitement must have been contagious. After sharing our idea with our principal, he gave us the okay to begin seeking pilot status for our new course. Astrobiophysics gained approval at all the necessary levels and it seemed that we would have no problem getting it started. We did, however, hit a roadblock when it came time to determine staffing for the upcoming year. Those people responsible for crunching the numbers just could not justify the course being team taught by us both. We were asked if we would be willing to have only one of us teach the course, but after much deliberation, we decided that we would not run the course at all if we could not run it correctly, and the only way to run it correctly was to team teach it. Our principal was impressed with our passion and vowed to do what he could to make it work.

Since October, we had been telling our students of the progress of our work. We shared the things you spoke of in your speech and to us, showed them our pictures taken with you, informed them of interesting events in the night sky, kept them informed about NASA projects . . . got them excited about Astrobiphysics. When the time came for them to select classes for next year, nearly 50 students signed up for our course - enough for two sections! The verdict was in - students wanted our class and with so many they were able to run the two sections. Each of us was assigned one section, but the sections are to meet at the same time and in the same room. In other words, we can team teach Astrobiophysics!

To make things even better, we were given funding to write our new curriculum this summer and to attend Space Academy for Educators! We are so excited! Your life and your words have been an inspiration to us. Thank you! You are truly appreciated!

Angela M. Krause
Menomonie High School

"Dare To Dream"
Each year I direct a leadership camp called "Dare To Dream" for about 250 students (grades 1-8). The purpose of the camp is prepare the students to "aim high" and be leaders in their schools. This will be our fourth camp and each year I use a movie as the core of my camp. Past movies include; Hoosiers, Apollo 13, Places in the Heart and Rudy. Our themes have varied with each movie. For example when we used the movie Places in the Heart, our theme was "Breaking Down Barriers".

This year we will be using the movie, October Sky and our theme is "Shoot For The Stars". My staff for the camp is made up of outstanding high school students. Each counselor has a group of 8 and they watch a 10-15 minute segment of the movie. Then they break down in groups and discuss a specific leadership topic that I have pulled from that segment. The topics I have pulled out of October Sky are: "Open Your Eyes and Dream", "Setting A Goal", "Moving Toward The Goal", "Encouraging Others To Reach Their Dreams", "Overcoming Obstacles", "The Fun of Teamwork", "The Power of Encouragement", "Dealing With Family Struggles", "Sacrificing For Those You Love", "The Life Changing Impact of a Teacher", and "Changing The World With Your Dream".

I have ordered 250 books to be given out to the campers at graduation. October Sky is changing the lives of thousands of kids across the country. We are simply trying to maximize the effectiveness of this great story.

Hello from West Virginia class
My fifth grade class finished our unit on your book "October Sky" this month and I thought you would enjoy some of my students' responses to questions I posed as part of their evaluations. I will email you the worksheets and tests I used while I did the unit. Here are my kids' responses. They thought a lot about it and really enjoyed the book and the movie. You did a service for a lot of people with your life and putting it in writing. Thank you!

In response to "Why do you think he wrote the book?" Ryan wrote, "I think he wrote this book to inspire people and tell anything is possible."

Chris wrote, "To tell what WV was like and to tell his interesting life."

Sarah S. wrote, "I think he wrote the book to encourage people to achieve their goals and to try to make people do their best in all they do."

Steve wrote, "To tell what it was like in Coalwood, WV and to tell how interesting it was for the Rocket Boys."

Erika wrote, " He wants to encourage other people to do what they don't think they can do."

Emily wrote, " I think he wrote this book for people to know about his life growing up and it's an inspiration for people who don't believe in themselves and for people who don't want to work hard and don't want to accomplish anything."

Nick A. wrote, "To show his adventures and fun life and to tell kids that they can do whatever they try."

Roy wrote, "To tell people about how an ordinary kid in a coal mine town ended up famous just by not giving up."

Heather wrote, "To inspire young people to follow their dreams no matter what happens and to let people know that he made it through. If he could - you could."

Crystal wrote, "To tell people that you can do anything in life if you put your mind to it. To believe in yourself and not to listen to what everyone else says.

Jennifer wrote, " I think he wanted to show that no matter where you come from you can achieve your goals."

Erin wrote, "I think he wanted to show that all West Virginia people are not stupid."

Zach wrote, "I think Homer wrote this because he wanted to give a document of his life and inspire kids that you can do anything if you put your mind to it."

Jason wrote, "Because he wanted to inspire kids that you don't have to be a genius to build and succeed in life and not to give up on your dreams."

Joshua wrote, "To keep fighting and listen to the people that are trying to help. And if you're not the person trying something different, encourage then to keep working on it."

Nathan wrote, " To never give up and to never quit school or stop learning, no matter what people tell you, never stop."

Dena wrote, "To thank all of the people that helped in his life."

Lauren wrote, "To tell that just because you live in a small town you can't get our and do something great with your life. And if not everybody believes in you not to give up."

Favorite parts of the movie and the book....
Lindsey wrote, "...when Sonny won the National Science Fair because it made him proud. When Geneva Eggars saved Sonny's life, because I thought it was really nice."

Emily wrote, "...the movie was when Donny's dad put his arm around Sonny at the launch pad after Dad pushed the button because it was really sweet."

Dani wrote, "My favorite part of the book was when Miss Riley would not allow the police officers to take the boys to jail. She had faith in each and every one of her students, knowing they would succeed in anything they put their minds to. It was great to see a teacher stand up for her students."

Jennifer wrote, "My favorite part of the movie was when Sonny showed Mr. Turner that his rockets couldn't have started the fire in Welch. He proved an older person wrong, which is something kids would really like to do."

Beth wrote, "When he let his dad light the fuse to the last rocket. It was the part when they finally became friends."

On parts that weren't in the movie...
Jessy wrote, "I think Jake Mosley wasn't in the movie because his part would take up too much time in the movie. I think it did affect the theme because Jake really helped them a lot."

A few kids weren't allowed by their parents to view the movie. They had different worksheets and a few of their responses were notable.

When asked if they would have liked to have Miss Riley as a teacher...
Jay wrote, "She would have been a good teacher because she would have not let you give up."

When asked if they would have wanted to have Sonny's dad as a father...
Joey wrote, "Yes, because he set a good example of how to learn something without the help of anyone. He showed you can do anything. His father encouraged him by giving him what he needed and frustrated him sometimes by discouraging him."

Jay wrote, "I wouldn't have wanted him because he cussed. He encouraged him by giving him supplies for his rockets."

There are lots more responses that I'm sure you'd love to read. We have all enjoyed this novel and movie and it gave me a wonderful opportunity to, again, enjoy my teaching.

Thank you for inspiring so many small town students with your story.

Math NOT her best subject.....
Dear Mr. Hickam, I'm a 19 girl and a student at Eastern Kentucky University, and my major is photography. I'm writing you to say thank you. After watching �October Sky� this past weekend I have become inspired to become a better student and to set a goal in my life. This past weekend I sat down and studied for a math test for over 5 hours. The first time I've ever done that. You see somewhere along the line of growing up I convinced myself that I was stupid in math. That I couldn't learn the subject no matter what and I gave up. But I gave it a shot this weekend and I prayed for strength and determination. Today when I got my math test back I got an A. An A Mr. Hickam! In college math, my greatest obstacle. Now I feel as if this great barrier stopping from achieving anything is gone. There is nothing that I can't do. So thank you Mr. Hickam.

I related so well to your story. I come from a small rural community in eastern Kentucky dubbed as "mud creek". A place that if a person is not careful can be bogged down my life and responsibilities that they can never get out. You see until a year and a half ago that place was my whole life. I had never been anywhere hardly before and knew nothing much about the outside world. I face a lot of adversity coming away to college. I know it's only 150 miles away, but my whole family is 150 miles away and I didn't know any one in the area. It's kind of an unspoken tradition that everyone grows up, gets married and lives just down the road. I'm not like that, ever since I was small the only thing I've wanted to do is be successful. To leave Kentucky and see the world and live my life.

I'm at school now and I'm studying hard. I know that someday whatever my goal is I know that I'm going to be successful. So I thank you Mr. Hickam for telling us your wonderful story. You have reached so many and many yet to come. If you wouldn't mind, I would like the opportunity to write you again and tell you about how my progress in school and my goals are coming along.