How important is the epilogue of this novel? Do you feel that it is necessary and/or effective? Comment on Homer's choice to include it in his novel.
I think this part of the book is very important. It shows us what we can acheive. In a way it is their happily ever after. They went through the heartbreak and hard work to get to that point. Even though their lives didn't become perfect after Coalwood, they were able to push forwards with their dreams. I think it was both effective and necessary because it connected their time with ours and showed us that it wasnt really that long ago that rockets couldn't fly into space. So many amazing things have been achieved in this generation and we have a responsibility to continue the legacy.
I have potential to do anything I want, but it starts now. With hard work and dedication and passion for what I love I can do just as much for this world as the Rocketboys did. I might reflect back on my life when I am older and then maybe I will write a book too. The epilouge of October Sky was the authors own way of remembering his history and he deserved to share it with the world because it can inspire us all to try harder.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Journal Response #9
What is the importance of the title of Chapter 22 "We do the math?" How does this relate to the achievements of the Rocketboys to this point in the novel?
Journal Response #8
How does hearing the actual version of the song "It's all in the game" affect your view of the scene where Sonny watches Dorothy and Jim? Was your perspective of the scene changed at all? How?
I liked being able to hear a song from Sonny's time. It helped me connect with the way he was feeling. I actually cared more about what happened to him when I heared that song. I have many songs in my life that bring back memories. I think I can remember how I felt a little bit more by listening to the songs that got me through those times. There is a power in music that makes us feel certain ways when we listen to it and I think that that is amazing. There are so many layers to music and even if ten people are listening the the same song they might all have different reactions.
I thought that hearing "It's all in the game" made me realize that Sonny really went throught the things we are going through. He really lived in Coalwood and he loved Dorothy. Even nearly fifty years later we can understand part of a strangers life just by listening to a song that played while his heart was broken. I think that it is important to pause for a minute and think about how much music defines us. At least a quarter of the songs on my ipod have a story to go with them. It's part of me and maybe fifty years from now, my kids will listen to the music I liked and ask me about it.
I liked being able to hear a song from Sonny's time. It helped me connect with the way he was feeling. I actually cared more about what happened to him when I heared that song. I have many songs in my life that bring back memories. I think I can remember how I felt a little bit more by listening to the songs that got me through those times. There is a power in music that makes us feel certain ways when we listen to it and I think that that is amazing. There are so many layers to music and even if ten people are listening the the same song they might all have different reactions.
I thought that hearing "It's all in the game" made me realize that Sonny really went throught the things we are going through. He really lived in Coalwood and he loved Dorothy. Even nearly fifty years later we can understand part of a strangers life just by listening to a song that played while his heart was broken. I think that it is important to pause for a minute and think about how much music defines us. At least a quarter of the songs on my ipod have a story to go with them. It's part of me and maybe fifty years from now, my kids will listen to the music I liked and ask me about it.
Journal Response #7
************In Chapters 10-14 we see the community of Coalwood supporting Sonny and his friends. How does this support affect the creation of their rockets? Who do you feel is most supportive?
The support of Coalwood is a really big part of the Rocket boys success. They find support form their friends, media coverage form journalists, and they create their rockets with the help of the company mechanists. Sonny and his friends have many fans for their work but I think that Mrs. Hickam is by far the greatest support to their work. She may not have given them information on how to construct functional rockets but she did give them her faith. She believed in their efforts and she believed they could do anything with their lives. She loved each one of the Rocket boys because she wanted the best for them.
Every person who supported the Rocket boys helped in building those rockets. Miss Riley supplied them with the information to make fuel, Mr. Hickam gave them supplies, Valentine gave Sonny confidence, Mr. Bykovski helped them from the beginning and so many other cheered them on. I think that if we go for something with all our heart we will draw people to us and they will want to do what they can to help us acheive our goals. Sonny was able to do just that and he did unimaginable things with his life.
The support of Coalwood is a really big part of the Rocket boys success. They find support form their friends, media coverage form journalists, and they create their rockets with the help of the company mechanists. Sonny and his friends have many fans for their work but I think that Mrs. Hickam is by far the greatest support to their work. She may not have given them information on how to construct functional rockets but she did give them her faith. She believed in their efforts and she believed they could do anything with their lives. She loved each one of the Rocket boys because she wanted the best for them.
Every person who supported the Rocket boys helped in building those rockets. Miss Riley supplied them with the information to make fuel, Mr. Hickam gave them supplies, Valentine gave Sonny confidence, Mr. Bykovski helped them from the beginning and so many other cheered them on. I think that if we go for something with all our heart we will draw people to us and they will want to do what they can to help us acheive our goals. Sonny was able to do just that and he did unimaginable things with his life.
Journal Response #6
Chapter eight is packed with emotion. How does the struggle of the USA with their education system relate to Sonny's internal struggle building his rockets? What do both have to do to be successful?
There is so much to learn in this world and so little time in our lives to learn it all. In this time period the United States is struggling with an education system that they believed to be incomparable to that of the Soviet Union. They were attempting to launch rockets into space and they were pushing their students to new levels of learning. At the same time Sonny and the other Rocket boys begin their work on their own rockets. These two things have a lot in common because they both deal with a lack of knowledge. The United States had no idea how to improve the education system and Sonny had no idea how to build rockets. I think that the US and Sonny doubted themselves a little to much. They payed to much attention to what everyone else was doing. They were also both trying to achieve something big that had never been done before. They were making history. To be successful, I think that they should have provided higher level classes and encouraged the youth and the younger generations to work towards improving their knowledge.
There is so much to learn in this world and so little time in our lives to learn it all. In this time period the United States is struggling with an education system that they believed to be incomparable to that of the Soviet Union. They were attempting to launch rockets into space and they were pushing their students to new levels of learning. At the same time Sonny and the other Rocket boys begin their work on their own rockets. These two things have a lot in common because they both deal with a lack of knowledge. The United States had no idea how to improve the education system and Sonny had no idea how to build rockets. I think that the US and Sonny doubted themselves a little to much. They payed to much attention to what everyone else was doing. They were also both trying to achieve something big that had never been done before. They were making history. To be successful, I think that they should have provided higher level classes and encouraged the youth and the younger generations to work towards improving their knowledge.
Journal Response #5
In Chapter 7, the BMCA finds a place to launch their rockets. Why do you think Sonny's father in helping him? Find evidence form the novel to support your perspective.
Sonny and his father have a very odd relationship. They never have much to say to each other. Sonny never feels like he is good enough for his father. like when he asks his mother why Homer Sr. doesnt like him. When Homer Sr. gives Sonny Cape Coalwood, it represented a lot more than just a place for the boys to launch their rockets. It gave Sonny hope that he and his father might have a chance of becoming friends. By supporting him with materials for his rockets, Homer does his own silent part in building Sonny's future.
I always considered Homer Sr. as a man who was prideful and never shared his emotions. I think he always gave Sonny supplies in a more descreet way because he did not want to admit to others and himself that he didn't play a big enough role in his sons life. In a way the material he gave Sonny might have been his way of apologising for everything he hadn't done for him. He might not have been able to express his emotions outloud but I think his actions spoke for him.
Sonny and his father have a very odd relationship. They never have much to say to each other. Sonny never feels like he is good enough for his father. like when he asks his mother why Homer Sr. doesnt like him. When Homer Sr. gives Sonny Cape Coalwood, it represented a lot more than just a place for the boys to launch their rockets. It gave Sonny hope that he and his father might have a chance of becoming friends. By supporting him with materials for his rockets, Homer does his own silent part in building Sonny's future.
I always considered Homer Sr. as a man who was prideful and never shared his emotions. I think he always gave Sonny supplies in a more descreet way because he did not want to admit to others and himself that he didn't play a big enough role in his sons life. In a way the material he gave Sonny might have been his way of apologising for everything he hadn't done for him. He might not have been able to express his emotions outloud but I think his actions spoke for him.
Journal Response #4
Page 53-54 What is the relationship between Sonny, his father and the mine that is revealed in these pages? What is the mood in this section?
Journal Response #3
What is so important about the reaction of Homer's mother to the rocket launch? Why do you think she reacted as she did?
Elsie Hickam is such a wonderful example of the support a mother should provide. She could have been mad or selfish when Homer blew up her fence but she saw it as an opportunity for Sonny to make something of his life. She loved him enough to make any sacrifice. She would have done anything to secure his future. It was probably the most important decision she made. She changed the course of Sonny's life by supporting his efforts- no matter how dangerous they might have seemed.
I think she reacted to the launch in the way she did because she finally had hope. She saw a path that Sonny could take- something he would love- and she jumped at the opportunity. Sonny was ready to give up. It was just a game to him at the start because he didnt believe he could really have a successful launch. Elsie turned his life around and told him to go for his dreams. Even when Sonny did stupid things and they didn't get along, she kept pushing him forward towards his dream. I want to be like her in that way because it made a change in someones life. I want to be able to help someone get to where they want to be and be as selfless as her.
Elsie Hickam is such a wonderful example of the support a mother should provide. She could have been mad or selfish when Homer blew up her fence but she saw it as an opportunity for Sonny to make something of his life. She loved him enough to make any sacrifice. She would have done anything to secure his future. It was probably the most important decision she made. She changed the course of Sonny's life by supporting his efforts- no matter how dangerous they might have seemed.
I think she reacted to the launch in the way she did because she finally had hope. She saw a path that Sonny could take- something he would love- and she jumped at the opportunity. Sonny was ready to give up. It was just a game to him at the start because he didnt believe he could really have a successful launch. Elsie turned his life around and told him to go for his dreams. Even when Sonny did stupid things and they didn't get along, she kept pushing him forward towards his dream. I want to be like her in that way because it made a change in someones life. I want to be able to help someone get to where they want to be and be as selfless as her.
Journal Response #2
In Chapter two we meet many new characters. What types are they so far?(stock, round, ect.) How do you feel about them based on the author's description?
Jim- (flat; static) I have not liked Jim from the start of the book. He always seemed as if he thought he was beter than Sonny and that bothered me. He never changed his attitude towards his brother and I felt like he did not want any connection with Sonny.
Roy Lee- (round) I think Roy Lee is one of the most interesting characters. He is popular and girls love him but instead of being with Jim's crowd he hangs around with Sonny and the gang. I wonder what the story is behind that. From the author's description and perspective I see him as unpredictable and I think he speaks his mind.
Sherman- (flat) We never find out that much about Sherman. I think that he is excitable and almost childlike in his innocence.
O'Dell- (flat) O'Dell is a trouble maker. He doesn't consider stealing as bad and he is a bit rougher than the other boys.
Dorothy- (Round) Dorothy is gorgeous and friendly and lovable. She is admired by many people. From Sonny's point of view we first see her as the ideal woman but as the book progressed I thought she was playing Sonny. She didn't like him and I do not think she was that good a friend.
Emily Sue- (flat) I really love Emily Sue. I wish that more had been written about her because she was very truthful and kind. She was gentle with Sonny though she made sure he knew that his chances with Dorothy were probably not to good.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Journal Response #1
What is your initial impression of the novel after reading the first pages? Does this seem like a novel you will relate to? What has sparked your interest so far?
This novel began in a way that sparked my interest on the first page. I could relate to many of the points that were disscussed, even in the first paragraph. I could imagine how he felt when he talked about his parents being in a bloodless battle about his future or how everyone discovers their own truths. It reminded me of how unsure our futures are and how we can choose to be what we want. I like that this novel is written about the life of a teenager, something we can all relate too. Homer H. Hickam Junior was a normal person but through his hard work he became something greater- an inspiration.
This novel is a mix of all the ups and downs of life. It teaches to have hope and confidence in ourselves and it shows us that hard work always wins out in the end. I found this message very inspiring because of its signigicance in my life. I learned that no matter what anyone says it doesnt matter because I have the power to control who I am. By making excuses or giving into the pressure of others we stop progressing. I want to be the one controlling my actions and living my life. Sonny's experience helped me look ahead to what I can be in the future and who I want to be.
Sonny's friendships with Roy Lee, Sherman, Quentin and O'Nell really impressed me. Through all of their differences they always stuck together. The cared less about what everyone else thought about their group than about sticking together. They adopted Quentin without protest and they believed in Sonny. They cared about their successes and failures but they stayed focused on their goals. Their personalities were opposite and still they found a way to connect and make life long friends. The way Sonny described each of them taught me about each persons individual worth and the importance of sharing our lives with others.
October Sky has taught me a lot about going forward with confidence and faith in myself. From Sonny's dedication and his mother's support I learned that failure is a barrier we have to push through. I learned that building on the gifts we are given is the only way to move forwards and improve. Wishing we are someone else will not get us anywhere, but like Sonny we have to grab on to a dream and never let it go.
This novel began in a way that sparked my interest on the first page. I could relate to many of the points that were disscussed, even in the first paragraph. I could imagine how he felt when he talked about his parents being in a bloodless battle about his future or how everyone discovers their own truths. It reminded me of how unsure our futures are and how we can choose to be what we want. I like that this novel is written about the life of a teenager, something we can all relate too. Homer H. Hickam Junior was a normal person but through his hard work he became something greater- an inspiration.
This novel is a mix of all the ups and downs of life. It teaches to have hope and confidence in ourselves and it shows us that hard work always wins out in the end. I found this message very inspiring because of its signigicance in my life. I learned that no matter what anyone says it doesnt matter because I have the power to control who I am. By making excuses or giving into the pressure of others we stop progressing. I want to be the one controlling my actions and living my life. Sonny's experience helped me look ahead to what I can be in the future and who I want to be.
Sonny's friendships with Roy Lee, Sherman, Quentin and O'Nell really impressed me. Through all of their differences they always stuck together. The cared less about what everyone else thought about their group than about sticking together. They adopted Quentin without protest and they believed in Sonny. They cared about their successes and failures but they stayed focused on their goals. Their personalities were opposite and still they found a way to connect and make life long friends. The way Sonny described each of them taught me about each persons individual worth and the importance of sharing our lives with others.
October Sky has taught me a lot about going forward with confidence and faith in myself. From Sonny's dedication and his mother's support I learned that failure is a barrier we have to push through. I learned that building on the gifts we are given is the only way to move forwards and improve. Wishing we are someone else will not get us anywhere, but like Sonny we have to grab on to a dream and never let it go.
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