October Sky

What do the BCMA boys decide to add since and sulfur to create rocket fuel?

Alcohol, specifically backwoods moonshine.

Who assumes the task of welding the rockets?

Clinton Canton who is an amazing welder and interested in rockets.

What "Indian" tribe does Sonny invent? What do they do? Why do they disband?

Coalhickans. They play around the town and include everyone in their games. He disband because a boy named Tony fell out of a tree and broke his arm.

What is the setting of the book (place and time period)?

Coalwood Virginia 1957

How does Sonny miss meeting Dr. Wernher von Braun in Indianapolis?

He ran off to meet him in another section but he wasn't there.

How does Sonny compare his life in Coalwood with the capabilities of Jake's telescope? Why do you think he does so?

He says his future is in space and his life in Coalwood seems like a blur in the grandeur of all of space.

Where does Auk IV land? What problems does this cause?

It lands near the mine and knocks a chunk out of Homer's office wall. He is furious.

What is the result of the launch of Auk V? How do the spectators react? How do the BCMA boys react?

It launches into the spectators and bounces off the road. The spectators are rather shaken. The boys decide they need to really work on the direction of the rockets.

What does Miss Riley tell Sonny about his rocket building?

It's his job, even if he hates it he needs to do it.

Describe Elsie Hickman's mural. What do you think this symbolizes to her?

It's the seaside. It shows her need to escape Coalwood.

From whom does Sonny get equipment for Cape Coalwood?

Jake Mosby

What is the primary reason Quentin believes Sonny should enter the science fair?

So he can give the other boys a chance at getting scholarships for college.

Why does Sonny ask Dorothy to the dance? How does she respond?

Sonny asks Dorothy to the dance so Roy Lee wouldn't. She said she already has plans but will study with him on Sunday.

Why does Miss Riley choose Sonny to represent the BCMA at the science fair? How does he feel about this?

Sonny because he can explain the concepts and is good with people. He has conflicting feelings because he wants the other boys to get credit.

Who does the calculations for the first rocket based on the sum total of Miss Riley's book? Why does he do so?

Sonny because he taught himself and Quentin insists. Quentin does check his work since he's in calculus class.

What happens to Sonny on their money-making venture? What effect does this have on the Hickam family relationships?

Sonny cuts his wrist and almost dies of blood loss. They get him back just in time to get him stitches. It brings his parents back on friendly terms.

Why is Sonny not allowed to take calculus? How does Sonny plan to solve the problem?

Sonny doesn't have good enough grades to take calculus. He ends up finding a book of his father's to learn from.

Why does Sonny abandon the rocket building after the mine tragedy? How is the situation resolved?

Sonny feels nothing and despises himself. Miss Riley tried to talk to him and ultimately Mrs. Bykovski finally tells him, before she leaves, to keep firing rockets.

What does the company own in Coalwood? What do you think this implies?

The company owns everything. The town, the store, the mine, the school even the church. This implies the company owns the worker's lives and runs everything.

What develops between the union and the company?

The company sells the houses, church and unities and the union is unhappy because now the miners will have to pay for all of those things. Mr. Van Dyke was fired for trying to negotiate and the union threatens to strike.

How does Elsie plan to pay for a house in Myrtle Beach?

The money that she made in the stock market.

How do the media react to Sputnik? How does the Hickman family react?

The radio stations say that the schools have to catch up to the Russian schools. Elsie, Sonny's mom, is supportive. Jim could care less, and Homer thinks it's dangerous.

How are the football boys different at the beginning of the 1958 school year?

They're all down and out because they got suspended from football for the year and can't play. They're no longer high and mighty.

What does the launch of Auk XX prove to the boys?

They're reached the peek for their fuel and need to find a new one.

What complication does Sonny face at the National Science Fair? How is it resolved? What is the result of the fair?

Sonny forgets to lock his stuff up and it gets stolen by some kids. He calls his mom for help and the town sends him new stuff through the bus system. Sonny wins first prize.

Why don't the BCMA boys think they have a chance to win the county science fair?

The boys think the judges will think that their project is too dangerous or not expensive enough.

What height does Auk XII attain? After the launches of Auks IX-XIII

what do the boys realize is the major problem?, Auk XII: 760 feet. IX-XIII is when they start to realize they need to cook the fuel before they use it to launch so the rockets are more controllable.

After Sonny watches the successful ABMA rocket launch on TV

what does he tell Homer? How does Homer respond?, "We're going to space, Dad." Homer thinks Sonny should stay in Coalwood. Sonny thinks that means he likes him and wants him to stick around.

According to Quentin

what is a "basis for modification"?, Anything that they have to change from one rocket to the next.

What two things does Jake Mosby say every woman wants?

"A man who loves her and won't stop loving her."

What question does Sonny ask John F. Kennedy?

"What do you think the United States ought to do about space?"

How does Kennedy respond and what is Sonny's reply?

"What do you think?"

What is Sonny's response to Homer's statement that he might come to Cape Coalwood when he has time? What does the ensuing confrontation reveal about Homer and Sonny?

"You always have time for Jim." Homer tells Sonny that coalmining is in his blood and that he expects Sonny to become a mining engineer and never leave Coalwood. Sonny doesn't want to do any of that.

What is the altitude range that Auk XVI-XIX attain? What observation do the boys make?

2,000-3,000 feet. When going for altitude bigger wasn't always better.

How many rockets do the boys launch during their final act as the BCMA? What range do the rockets attain?

6 rockets launched, 3,000 feet was the start. They were designed for 15-20k. AUK XXXI was their last rocket.

What one thing did every Coalwood family have to have?

A father who worked for the mine.

What does Elsie add to her mural during Homer's intense demands from the coal mine? What do you think this symbolizes?

A house on the beachside. She wants to move to the beach and escape Coalwood. It's her heart's desire.

Why is being "cut-off" from work especially meaningful in Coalwood?

A miner and his family would lose their home as well as any credit at the company store.

What is the name of the first rocket using the new fuel? How high did it go?

AUK XXII-A, 5, 776 Feet

What is the most successful rocket in this section? How high does it go?

Auk XIV, it goes 3,000 feet up.

What happened to Auk XXII-D? What are the results? What do you think this reveals to Homer?

B flew around and attacked a hornet's nest. Auk C broke Elsie's bathroom scale and the boys replaced it. D landed in Rev. Richard's back yard and Fuller got mad and banned rocket launching. Homer still wants Sonny to come back and run the mine but he doesn't like Sonny being pushed around by the company.

For what does the acronym BCMA stand? Who are the initial members and what role does each one fulfill? What is their goal?

Big Creek Missile Agency. Sonny: President. O'Dell: Treasurer and supplies. Roy Lee: Transport. Sherman: Publicity. Quentin: Science. Their goal is to build rockets and launch them to space.

What two major announcements does Mr. Turner made to the Big Creek High School student body at the end of the 1957-58 school year?

Big Creek would not be allowed to participate in the football championship this year. The school's curriculum would be twice as hard to keep up with the Russians.

Who is the new member of the BCMA? How does Elsie treat them?

Billy, his father was let go from work a few years ago and he doesn't have very much. Elsie lets him take most of Sonny's clothes home.

What effect does the suspension of the football team have on Buck Trant? On Jim Hickman?

Both Buck and Jim don't think they'll be able to do to college without football scholarships, and that they won't get any if they don't play their senior year.

How does Buck Trant torment Sonny and his friends about the rocket? How does Sonny respond?

Buck Trant calls them "little moron sisters". Sonny comments on how Buck's mom ran off with a vacuum cleaner salesman.

Who is Daisy Mae and why is she important to Sonny?

Daisy Mae is his calico cat that Sonny found in the mountains. She's who he talks to when no one else will listen.

What modifications does Mr. Dubonnet suggest to Sonny following the launch of Auk V? What two problems do the boys need to address?

Direction and letting the powder dry for longer before they load up the rocket.

Whom does Sonny consider the most beautiful girl in high school? How does he feel about her?

Dorothy Plunk who he claims he's in love with and she should be cherished.

What causes Sonny's dream of reciprocal love from Dorothy to end?

Dorothy goes to the Dugout with Jim they slow dance right in front of Sonny.

What does Emily Sue tell Sonny about his love for Dorothy?

Dorothy will never like him back because she wants to keep him as a friend.

How does Elsie punish Sonny for going into the mine with Homer? What does she vow to do if he ever goes again?

Elsie makes him clean up around the house, and cook kidneys for the cats. She also vows to shoot him if he ever goes near the mine again.

What question does Sonny's mother ask him after the rocket failure? How does he reply? What does she tell him then?

Elsie thinks Sonny can build rockets and do well. She asks him what he wants to do with his life. He doesn't know and is shaken by the conversation.

Who insists that Sonny get a new suit for the National Science Fair? What is the result?

Emily Sue and his mother. He takes Emily over with him to Welch, the biggest town in the county, and with the help of O'Dell he buys an orange suit. Emily makes him take it back and gets him a blue suit.

Where did Sonny get his nickname?

From his mom and his "sunny" disposition.

What does Geneva Eggers do for Sonny? How does Home explain his acquaintance with her to Sonny?

Geneva is a baby that Homer rescued from a fire that killed the whole rest of her family. She was run out of her home town for running moonshine and sleeping around but Homer lets her stay in a shack on the mountains. She finds Sonny lost in a snow storm, lets him stay in her house and gives him French toast.

What does Sonny do with the medal he receives in Indianapolis? Why do you think he does this?

He gives it to Miss Riley. She encouraged him and pushed him to do his best and he looks up to her and cares about her.

What two "drawers" does Sonny have in his mind? Which one is closed? Which one is open? Why do you think he refers to these as drawers?

He has a drawer for "Rocket Stuff" and "Other Stuff". The drawer of ever pleasing his dad is closed, but something that Homer said about Mr. Bykovski sill bothers him. He's referring to what happened to the Jewish people in WW2, and Mr. Bykovski is Jewish and Dr. Van Braun is German.

Why doesn't Sonny quit football on his own? What causes him to quit? What does he do then?

His mom wouldn't let Sonny quit until the coach told him not to come back. He then joins the marching band and plays snare.

How do Sonny's mother and father react to his first rocket launch?

His mother wants Sonny to succeed. His father was furious and thinks he's too dumb to build rockets.

Who is the narrator and how old is he when his memoir begins?

Homer H. Hickam Jr. aka Sonny. He's 8 years old.

Why does Homer take Sonny into the mine? How do Sonny

Homer and Elsie react to the experience?, Homer wants to show him what a mining engineer does. Sonny find the place interesting enough but isn't drawn to it. Elsie is beyond furious that Sonny even agreed to go into the mine. Homer is mad that Sonny doesn't want to be a mining engineer.

Who lights the fuse for the final rocket? Why? How does Sonny react?

Homer lights the final rocket, Sonny encourages him to do it. He was very excited to be involved, so much so it gave him a heart attack.

How does Homer intervene in the football team's concerns?

Homer says he's going to see a lawyer about the football team being barred from the championship.

What effect does the tragedy have on Homer and Elsie?

Homer stays home for a while but then goes back to work too early. Elsie hates the mine even more now and throws the black phones to the mine in the yard. She's withdrawn and stares at her painting most of the time.

What does Sonny learn about his father's role in his win at the National Science Fair? What are the ramifications of his father's decision?

Homer stopped the strike, though not without a fight, so that the union could get all of the worker's rights, homes and jobs back. They would only agree to the terms is Homer signed the agreement, because his name meant something to them.

Briefly describe the company store and explain why you think this is an asset or a liability to the miners.

If a miner got in debt with the store the company stopped paying them in dollars and started paying them in "script" instead, which is only good at the company store.

What happens to Ike Bykovski and Homer in the mine tragedy? Which do you think most affects Sonny? Why?

Ike Bykovski is crushed and dies. Homer get stitches and looses sight in an eye. Sonny is more affected by Mr. Bykovshi's death because he was a father figure to Sonny and the boy also feels like Mr. B's death is his fault.

Who is Jake Mosby? How does Sonny first meet him? How does Jake help the BCMA?

Jake Mosby is a mining engineer from Ohio who stuck around after going through "mining boot camp". Sonny, while delivering morning papers, meets him while he's drunk on the floor in his apartment building. Jake helps the BCMA with their calculations and science.

Why is the friendship between Jake and Sonny unlikely?

Jake is kind to Sonny and is actually interested in what he does. Jake is like a father/older brother figure to Sonny.

What about Jim Miss Riley Homer Sr and Elsie? (Epilogue)

Jim became a successful football coach. Miss Riley died from her cancer at 32. Elsie moved to Myrtle Beach and after 70, Homer left the mine and joined her. He died in 1989.

Identify two differences between Jim and Sonny. How do you think Sonny feels about Jim?

Jim is bigger and stronger than Sonny. He's a football star. He's their dad's favorite. Sonny is lanky, faster and likes to read. He's their mom's favorite. They DO NOT get along.

What does Jim tell Sonny about the rocket failure?

Jim tells Sonny that he's an embarrassment to the family.

Briefly explain the conflict between John Dubonnet and Homer Hickman.

John Dubonnet is the mine union leader and he butts heads with Homer because Homer is a "company man" who represents the company is Coalwood.

Who is the chemistry teacher at Big Creek High School?

Miss Riley

Why does Miss Riley ask Sonny about Jake Mosby? Why do you think Sonny lies to her?

Miss Riley asks to learn everything about Jake. Sonny lies to her because he's Sonny's friend. However, he does feel jealous of Jake.

What does Miss Riley give Sonny? Quote her statement relating to the gift and to his reaction to the gift? What do you think she means by this?

Miss Riley gives Sonny a book on rocketry: "Principles of Guided Missile Design". She tells him, "All I've done is give you a book. You have to have the courage to learn what's inside it." A book is just a book, but it's also a tool that can lead you to amazing things.

How does Isaac Bykovski help Sonny and the BCMA? How does Bykoski rationalize his help?

Mr. Bykoski teaches Sonny how to use a soldering iron. He says Homer shouldn't object because it's a good skill to learn.

Who agrees to help Sonny with the welding on the rockets? What does he want in return for his help?

Mr. Ferro who is in charge of the main machine shop. He wants gravel for his back lot since it turns into a mud pit when it rains.

Why does Mr. Hartsfield initially see no hope for having a calculus class at Big Creek High School? Do you think his opinion is justified?

Mr. Hartfield doesn't think it'll get any support from the administration because people from Coalwood either end up working for the mine or moving away.

Identify Mr. Turner and Miss Riley. How do they react to Quentin's "dream" for a science trophy?

Mr. Turner is the principal of Big Creek High School. Miss Riley, in the beginning, is a student teacher who gets hired to teach chemistry at Big Creek High. Mr. Turner is doubtful of anyone but the football team putting trophies in the case. Miss Riley is supportive.

Why does BCMA conflict with the law? How is the conflict resolved?

O'Dell and Roy Lee get caught breaking in to the old mule barn to get some telephones for Cape Coalwood. The floor collapses and they get caught by Tag, the local sheriff. They're brought before the company's head rep: Mr. Van Dyke who makes a deal with them. He won't tell on the boys if they pay back all of the damages: 35$.

What money-making project does O'Dell suggest? What is the financial result?

O'Dell suggests going and digging up old railroad drainage pipes. They spend all their earned money on replaces the supplies they've ruined and Sonny's doctor bill. Jake pays off their debt if they promise to wash his car for the rest of time.

What date divides Sonny's life into two distinct phases? Why? Why do you think this event has such an impact on him?

October 5th 1957. That's when Sputnik was launched and it started his interest in becoming a rocket scientist.

What is Quentin's definition of a good rocket?

One that does exactly what it's designed to do.

With whom does Sonny become friends with at the National Science Fair? How does this friend help him?

Orville "Tex" from Texas. He feels more confident having someone friendly by his side.

Who is Poppy and what happened to him?

Poppy is Homer Sr's father. He had his bottom half cut off from a run away coal car.

How does Quentin respond to Sonny? How does Sonny feel about Quentin?

Quentin agrees to help Sonny so that he can get experience in building rockets. Sonny thinks that Quentin will be a lot of help but is nervous how the other boys will react to him.

Why do Buck and other football players accost Sonny and Quentin? How does Jim respond? Why? How would you feel if you were Sonny?

Quentin and Sonny are looking at the trophy case. Jim says they can beat them up just not in the school so the football team doesn't get in trouble.

Who helps Sonny design the next two rockets? What are the results? How do Sonny's parents react?

Quentin helps design the next two rockets. One didn't have enough fuel in it and the other had too much. Sonny's dad is disapproving and his mon tries to get him out of trouble.

Describe Quentin and tell why Sonny asks him to be part of his rocket group.

Quentin is not a mean kid, but the local nerd. He's very smart and Sonny seeks his help with building rockets.

Why does Quentin agree to help Sonny?

Quentin thinks that the other boys will listen to Sonny, so they'll have help building the rockets.

What is "rocket candy"? What effect does it have on rocket launches?

Rocket candy was the left over fuel from combining potassium nitrate, saltpeter, and sugar. It smells sweet when you burn it and gives the rockets pink smoke.

What does the author reveal about each of the BCMA boys in the Epilogue?

Roy Lee became a banker. Quintin, Sherman, Billy, and Sonny became engineers. Sherman died of a heart attack at 26. Sonny ended up as a rocket engineer for NASA.

How does Roy Lee react to Sonny's conversation with Quentin? What do you think Roy Lee's reaction implies?

Roy Lee threatens to ask Dorothy out before Sonny can. He implies that Dorothy doesn't really care who she goes out with.

Who makes up Sonny's core group of friends?

Roy Lee, O'Dell, and Sherman

Identify three changes in Sonny's life and Bid Creek High School at the beginning of the 1959-1960 school year. Which one do you think will most impact Sonny?

Salary cuts for the mine workers, many of them out of work so their kids are suffering. Jim goes off to college leaving Sonny alone, but with access to the Buick. The boys start their senior classes. Sonny talk to Dorothy anymore.

What happens to Daisy Mae? How does Sonny feel? Do you think he should feel this way?

She gets hit by a car. Sonny is devastated because Daisy Mae was his best friend.

What does Elsie give Sonny for Christmas? What do you think this symbolizes to Elsie and to Sonny?

Sonny gets a signed picture of Dr. Van Braun as well as a letter from him about how he's impressed with his rocket work so far. It shows that they're close and that his mom actually is interested in what Sonny does.

How does Sonny cope with the open drawer? What is the result?

Sonny goes to talk to the Bykovskis to apologize for getting Ike moved to the mine. He finds out that Dr. Van Braun may have worked for the nazis but it's never clarified. Mrs. Bykovski says that Ike can continue to work on the rockets if Sonny gets them a new toilet, and he does.

What physical symptoms does Sonny begin to experience? What do you think causes his illness? How is the illness cured?

Sonny has a stomach ache and a head ache. It's caused by Daisy Mae's death and all of the stress of the rockets. It's cured when he finds out who kills Daisy Mae, a striker, and he finally feels at peace.

What comment does Coach Morgan make about Sonny's ability to play football?

Sonny is too small and too slow.

How does Sonny feel about Dorothy?

Sonny likes Dorothy but she is more interested in his stories than anything else.

How does Sonny's view of academics change due to the BCMA?

Sonny sees academics more as a way to improve their rockets, a means to what they desire.

What is Sonny's "startling revelation" about geometry? Who helps him understand his revelation?

Sonny thinks plane geometry was message from God. He goes to Reverend Lanier for help but he didn't believe his message so he goes to Reverend "Little Richard". Richard says that God is in numbers too not just words, and to make sure Sonny doesn't get too prideful going into space.

Explain why Sonny's problem with the calculus class is an example of irony.

Sonny worked hard to get the class approved and he's not allowed to take it.

How old was Homer Hickman

Sr. when he started to work in the coal mine? How do you think his work affects his family?, Homer Sr. was 22 when he started. His work gets in the way of him spending any time with his family.

Identify two results of the union/company conflict that directly affect the Hickam family and one that affects the BCMA. Are these resolved and if so how?

The Hickam's get shot at by a drive by striker. Pooky also comes to the rocket launches drunk and with a loaded gun. The strike stops the the rockets from being made.

What inspires Sonny to build a rocket? What is the outcome?

The blueprint for the the rockets are in Sputnik were in Life Magazine. Sonny tries to make a rocket and he blows up his mom's rose garden fence.

What discovery solves the BCMA's financial problems?

The boys find ginseng in the mountains to sell.

What does Homer do after hearing Rev. Lanier's sermon about fathers and sons? Why do you think he does this?

The sermon was about how fathers should be respected by sons, the company made Rev. Lanier preach on the subject. However, "the big six" stepped in, and they got the reverend to talk about the importance of knowledge. Homer is frustrated to say the least.

Who are the "Great Six"? What effect do you think they have on Sonny?

The six elementary teachers at the school. They get Sonny interested in reading classic literature.

What do the state troopers think the BCMA boys have done? How does Miss Riley assist the boys? What does Quentin prove?

The state troopers thought the BCMA burned down a good chunk of a forest. Miss Riley brings in a map to show that the boy's rockets couldn't go that far. Quentin proves that what burned down the forest was an airplane flair.

What does the X-ray reveal about Homer? How do Elsie and Sonny react?

The x-ray showed that Homer had a dime sized black spot on his lung. Sonny and Elsie are both worried.

Why have Jim and Sonny entered into a truce?

They beat the ever-living snot out of each other. Jim gets smashed in the head with a pot and Sonny gets his ribs crushed.

Where do they get this ingredient from? What do they call their new rocket fuel?

They get it from John Eye, the local moonshiner. They get drunk trying to make sure that they don't get in trouble for using it for rocket fuel. They call it Zincoshine for the zinc/sulfur powder.

What excuse does Homer give Elsie about not leaving Coalwood for Myrtle Beach?

They have to wait until the strike is over so that the union doesn't think they ran him off.

What name do the boys choose for their rockets?

They name the rockets AUK, after an ancient bird that couldn't fly.

Why is Big Creek High School's football team in danger of losing out on the chance to become state champions?

They play too many Virginia schools to qualify for the championship.

Why do Sonny and Quentin want to take calculus and learn differential equations?

They would better understand the rocket book given to them by Miss Riley and they would be able to build better rockets.

State two reasons Sonny decides to enter the science fair. Which two reasons do you think are the most valid?

To stick it to his dad and to give his friends an opportunity to get scholarships so they can go to college.

Who consoles Sonny after Dorothy dates Jim? How?

Valentine, she makes out with him in the back of Buck's truck.

During their conversation about building a rocket

in the beginning, what questions does Sonny ask his mother concerning his father? How does she reply? Why do you think Sonny asks this?, Why does Homer hate him? Elsie says Homer doesn't hate Sonny, but he doesn't believe in him. Sonny asks because Homer acts like he only has one son (Jim).