Rocket Boys

Historical Context and Significance

The book «Rocket Boys» by Homer Hickam describes the true story of a group of teenagers from a small mining town in West Virginia who became fascinated with building homemade rockets in the 1950s. Inspired by the Soviet Union's launch of «Sputnik-1», they overcome numerous challenges and achieve success despite the skepticism of those around them. The story demonstrates the power of dreams and perseverance, while also emphasizing the importance of education and community support. The book significantly influenced the popularization of science and technology among young people, inspiring them to aim high and develop engineering skills. It also reflects the spirit of the times and cultural changes associated with the space race and the Cold War.