Rocket Boys

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Summary: Will be studied for years, maybe decades, maybe centuries
Review: Rocket Boys is a beautifully, elegantly written book that sings to the senses, the soul, and the spirit. I am a high school American Literature teacher and am teaching it in my class already as one of the books that will be remembered from the twentieth century. Do not make the error that this is a book about rockets. It is the tale of America. When I let my students read it quietly in class, they are absolutely mesmerized by it. I have never had a book affect them this way. Occasionally, they will break out in laughter and I've seen a tear shed, too. A simply glorious book.

Rating:
Summary: Rocket Boys
Review: This amazing inspiring story depicts the life of a coal mine owner's son, Homer H. Hickham, who, inspired by the space race, wants to build rockets. From blowing up his mother's fence with a model airplane to winning first prize at a major science fair, Homer and several friends "invent" model rocketry. A MUST HAVE for any model rocketeer!

Rating:
Summary: Deserves six stars, maybe ten
Review: I just finished reading the new Rocket Boys book with the pictures. This is a wonderful book and so much better than the movie even though it was pretty good too. I heard Mr. Hickam is writing a sequel. I'm looking forward to that. Wish I knew when it was coming out.

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Summary: Why the name change?
Review: I just started the book and agree with the posititive responses. However, is anyone bothered by the fact that later editions of Rocket Boys have had a name change,to October Sky? From a literary point I find it disconcerting that a book's title has been changed in print to fit the movie title. Can anyone think of this happening before? I'd be curious what the author thinks. He does not strike me as the "anything for money" type.Movies based on books often have a different title than the book, ex. Prayer for Ownen Meany, but changing the book's title to fit the movie is bothersome to me- but then I tend to be a purest about a lot of things.

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Summary: An Amazing Book
Review: This book moves the reader and makes us realize that every dream is possible not matter how difficult. This book is very inspirational and a joy to read. If you're looking for a good book that you won't be able to put down then you must read this book.

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Summary: Book Much better than movie...
Review: I would definitly recommend this book. I am onlly on the 25th page mark and I have learned more history than a 45 minute period. I think It is wprth the full price if not more. It reads slow but fast in some parts.

Rating:
Summary: 100% enjoyable!
Review: after seeing 'October Sky' (which was one of the best flics I've seen in a while) I immediately went out and grabbed the book. I had a most difficult time putting it down. The book pulled me right in. I felt a bit glossy-eyed as Homer came into friendship with his father. I've shoved this book of many people. One of the best I've read in a looong time!

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Summary: HE WRITES AS WELL AS HE BUILDS ROCKETS
Review: I cannot do the justice. It is too amazing for words. Take my word for it, this is a book worth reading. The charictors are incredibly well devolped. You feel like you know them personally. You develop realasionships with them to a point where you feel like you know them and thier triumphs and defeats are your triumphs and defeats. Homer describes the places in such a way you feel like you have visited them. It is a wonderful story. The story of a boy, desperate to get out of a mineing town. After Sputnik is launched, he builds rockets which become his ticket out. Read this book, for the author's excelent writing or the amazing story.

Rating:
Summary: THE BEST BOOK EVER
Review: This book is awsome. me and my friend read it. And we learned how to make Rocket propellant. This a great book, hope your inspired to read it.

Rating:
Summary: charming, exciting, touching
Review: My favorite book of 1999, Rocket Boys has so much to offer: a good story, realistic characters, lessons to be learned. These are some of my favorite ingredients in a good book. I bought it as October Sky (the paperback version), loved it so much that I wanted it in hardcover, too, to keep and read again (which I NEVER do). I gave the paperback to my son who's beginning it as we speak, and I'm hearing approving words coming from him already. It's the life of a teenage boy becoming something he's always dreamed about. That's something rare and special enough in real life, and I'm so happy that Homer Hickham decided to share it with us.