Our Region Reads...October Sky

Residents of Craven, Pamlico, and Carteret Counties are preparing to read Homer Hickam's memoir, Rocket Boys, as they participate in the 2008 Our Region Reads. The book, also published as October Sky, is the story of a teenage boy growing up in a coal-mining town in West Virginia in the late-1950's. A movie version of the story was released as October Sky, an anagram that rearranges the letters of the original book title. 

Inspired by the launch of Sputnik, Homer recruits some friends to build rockets. They learn the fundamentals of rocketry with the help of a dedicated teacher. Their experiments eventually engage the entire community and launch days become major events.

The library selection committee chose this memoir for our second regional read because of its broad appeal and timeliness. The year 2008 marks the 50th anniversary of the creation of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Students in middle and high school will study astronomy, the principles of physics, and rocketry in school. The theme should also appeal to many members of our active and retired military community. Readers will enjoy this American success story of a boy from rural West Virginia who goes on to a career as a NASA engineer.

Each library in the region will coordinate their own activities and programs, including book discussions led by local librarians. All events are free and open to the public. Individual copies of the book and book club kits will be available after February 1.

Contact the Reference Desk at 638-7807 for more information on programs in New Bern.

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Page created February 7, 2008.

Page updated: November 20, 2014