Characters 1.0
Devoted mine employee who remained loyal despite the mine slowly killing him
Who is Homer Hickam Sr.
Theme that reveals the differences between expectations among family members
Parents & Children
Referred to the rocket boys as "bomb builders" but gambled on their success
Principal Turner
The nickname was given to the BCMA's rockets
AUK
Homer's love interest and study partner, betrays Homer by dating Jim
Dorothy Plunk
Escaped the horrors of Coalwood through painting
Elsie Hickam
Theme revealed by the fact that the boys pursued successful careers while Dorothy raised her family
Gender Roles and Expectations
The biggest supporter of the Rocket Boys, battles cancer throughout novel
Ms. Riley
Homer's inspiration for exploring rocketry
Soviet Launch of Sputnik
Victim of polio, walked with a limp, math expert in BCMA
Sherman
Union leader, often fought with Homer's Dad
Mr. Dubonnet
Theme demonstrated by Homer's hard work paying off in his future
Dreams and Ambition
Leader of the BCMA, attends and wins the National Science Fair
Homer Hickam
Source of many supplies donated to the BCMA as well as a safe launch site
Homer's Dad
Felt pity for Homer and helped him forget his true love interest
Valentine
Early supporter of Homer, punished for helping Homer build rockets
Mr. Bykovski
Theme demonstrated by school's emphasis on math and science and the status change of the Rocket Boys
Cold War and Space Race
Nerdy teenager hoping to earn a college scholarship through rocketry
Quentin
Source of gossip and news in Coalwood
Fence-Line Telegraph
Homer's confidante, tragically killed in the novel
Daisy Mae
Homer's close friend who symbolizes the carefree nature of life
Jake Moseby
Theme demonstrated by Roy Lee fighting Homer and Coalwood's support for the Rocket Boys
Individual vs. The Group
Ladies' man, provided transportation for the BCMA
Roy Lee
Reason Homer was not allowed to take Calculus
Grades were the lowest (limited space)
Acquires money for the BCMA through many complicated schemes
O'Dell