October (Ten Days that Shook the World)

In October 1957, Homer Hickam learns about the Soviet Union's successful launch of Sputnik 1, which sparks his interest in rocketry. This event inspires Homer to pursue building his own rockets despite the community's skepticism. His family and friends remain skeptical of taking up space endeavors in a coal mining town.

Homer teams up with his friend Quentin Wilson, a math enthusiast who shares an interest in aerospace engineering. They begin constructing small rockets with the support of their friends Roy Lee Cooke, Sherman O'Dell, and their science teacher, Miss Riley. Their intention is to prove their capabilities in rocketry.

The boys' rocket launches draw attention from local townspeople. One of their rockets lands dangerously close to John's office, nearly injuring workers. John Hickam warns Homer against building rockets on his property, expressing concern for safety.

The boys continue their rocket experiments by hiking beyond the coal company's property, with help from Ike Bykovsky, the mine's machine shop manager. His assistance helps them succeed, but he faces punishment from John for helping the boys, being sent to work in the mines.

The rocket boys are accused by police of igniting a wildfire with a stray rocket. As a result, they are arrested, leading them to abandon their rocketry pursuits temporarily due to the charges and community fear.

During a mining accident, John Hickam is injured, and Ike Bykovsky is killed. Homer feels responsible for the tragedy, which devastates him deeply. John later reassures Homer, revealing that Ike chose to work in the mines for better pay.

Homer drops out of high school to work in the mines to support his family while his father recovers from injury. Inspired by Miss Riley, he studies applied rocket science through books, learning to calculate rocket trajectories to improve his designs.

Using his knowledge, Homer and Quentin locate their missing rocket and demonstrate it couldn't have caused the wildfire. They present their findings to Miss Riley and the principal, who conclude the fire was caused by a flare from an airfield.

Homer decides to return to high school and excels in rocketry, winning the school science fair. He is selected to participate in the National Science Fair in Indianapolis, representing their school with his rocket projects.

The coal miners' union goes on strike against the coal company, threatening to shut down the mines. Homer, resenting the strike's impact, leaves home in anger, vowing not to return until the strike is resolved. This creates tension within his family.

Homer's project, including a machined rocket part and an autographed picture of Wernher von Braun, wins top honors at the science fair. His display is well-received, leading to college scholarship offers and a close encounter with Dr. Von Braun, whom he admires.

The town's support helps Homer recover his stolen rocket parts. Homer's mother intervenes to end the strike, persuading John to support her son's aspirations. Homer also visits Miss Riley, who is terminally ill, paying tribute to her influence.

Homer launches his largest rocket, named in honor of Miss Riley, with nearly the entire town gathered. John is honored to push the launch button, and the rocket reaches an altitude of 30,000 feet, symbolizing Homer’s achievements and his father's pride.

The epilogue reveals that the main characters went to college and had successful careers, with Homer eventually working at NASA. Miss Riley passed away, the mines closed, and John Hickam died later, but the story ends on a note of achievement and personal growth.