Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam Jr.

Rocket Boysis an autobiography written by Homer Hickam Jr. He writes about the experience of the Sputnik launch as a kid and its significance to his entire life. Homer, generally called Sonny, lived in a small coal company town called Coalwood. His father was the head of the coal mine and rarely interacted with Sonny and his older brother, Jim. After seeing the Sputnik launch, Sonny and his friends were inspired to form the Big Creek Missile Agency, a group or rocket-building boys. Sonny faced many challenges including depression, indifference from his father, company rules, calculus, etc. The book describes the hard work that the boys did to start from a small sport-inclined town and eventually win a prize in the national science fair.

Rocket Boys is actual proof of how extreme handwork, passion, support from family, and perseverance can make any dreams possible. It is a funny and engaging book that I recommend to everyone!