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Homer Hickam Jr., Sonny, was born in Coalwood, West Virginia. In his book, October Sky” he relates his own life story, focusing on his teenage years and his attempts to build a rocket with his friends. During these years, there were some pivotal moments that led to his achievements such as the launch of Sputnik, the support of his teacher Miss Riley, and winning both the county and national science fairs. Despite the difficulties in achieving their goals, he and his friends proved that dreams can come true and that goals can be reached with belief and hard work. In the year 1957, Sonny’s life had begun to change with the launch of Sputnik, the first rocket in orbit by the Russians. Sonny was a quiet and ordinary teenager. Seeing this event in the sky above his own backyard, Sonny felt as though he could touch the rocket. For the first time in his life, an extraordinary event was happening in Coalwood. This significant event inspired Sonny to build his own rocket. Sonny had wanted to prove to his father that he could go to college and leave Coalwood. He had always been second in his family from his father’s perspective because his brother Jim, a football player, had always been supported by Sonny’s father. His father had a