From Homer's site: If you have only seen the movie October Sky, we hope you understand that it is not the complete story of Homer's Rocket Boys adventure and that some of it is not accurate. That's OK. It's still a cool movie! However, you will not be able to do your homework or write truthfully about Homer's boyhood if you have only seen the film. You must read the book. That's OK, too. It's a really cool book! We think you will like it even more than the movie.
OK, so how can you get more information on the book? Well, there were actually three books in what we call the "Coalwood Trilogy." Rocket Boys (also called October Sky to match the movie title), The Coalwood Way, and Sky of Stone. All are great books you will enjoy reading. Go to our Books page to find out more about them.
If you'd like to see photographs of the real Rocket Boys, then and now, and also learn more about the little town of Coalwood, West Virginia, where they grew up, go to our extensive Coalwood page.
Be sure to go to all of our other sections for more cool stuff including our Movies page which has a lot about the film, October Sky.
ARE YOU A STUDENT WHO WANTS TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HOMER AND HIS LIFE STORY?Click here to read his biography. Also, please visit our FAQ page for Homer's answers to many general questions about his life and times.
