 1. How would you describe the book? Would you call it a man's book or a woman's book? Is it just a story of a boy with a dream or the story of a small mining town? Or is it something grander and deeper?
2. Do you think Homer Senior and Elsie love each other? What is the principle cause of their conflicts?
3. How would you describe Sonny's father? How does the conflict between his mom and dad motivate Sonny?
4. All of the women in Coalwood are shown to be strong women. Although most of the women make the best of their lot, they want better for their children. How can they help this to happen? What is your opinion of Elsie, Sonny's mother? Is she too harsh with her husband in her attempt to better her life and that of her sons? What is your opinion of Miss Riley, and what was her contribution? Why was Geneva Eggers so important in Sonny's understanding of his father? Were these women feminists before the term existed?
5. It has been said that the 1950's had a culture its own that has never been duplicated. Do you agree or disagree? How would you describe the culture of the 50's? What do you most or least admire about that culture? How would you compare the area of education, family relationships, community, and religion in the 50's to today?
6. In a personal essay entitled "Why I Wrote Rocket Boys", Homer Hickman, Jr. explains: "... my book was written as it was meant to be, not a boy's adventure, or a young adult's inspirational tale. Rocket Boys is really about reconciliation." What does Homer mean about "reconciliation"? Where do we (the reader) see this in the book?
7. This story is also about rewards and costs of nonconformity. Who conforms, who doesn't and what is the consequence of their actions? How was Quentin a nonconformist? How about the other boys? Is nonconformity a problem today and can this story help those who tend to go against the norm?
8. What is significant about each Rocket Boy's personality that made them succeed as a group?
9. How important is it to find motivation in one's endeavors? Would the boys have gotten to the science fair without being motivated by something larger than them? Discuss the motivational aspects contained within the story.
10. Is this a universal story? Could it be set in other times or is it specific to Coalwood and West Virginia in the late 50's? What did you learn about Coalwood and the Appalachian area that you did not know before?
January 29, 2008
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