A review by mtolivier
Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam

4.0

I loved seeing the way that Homer was transformed from an average boy, just content to loaf along, to a rocket scientist. He was transformed by his passion. He wanted to be a part of the space race so badly that he went from being a mediocre student to one who, with a partner, taught himself calculus. He had a very supportive teacher and a mother who believed in him, but other than that, he was battling against people's low expectations.

In addition to working hard, everything seemed to work in his favor — the football team was banned from playing, which really helped to catapult the rocket boys from outcasts to town stars, and even his father came to admire his efforts.

A real tribute to pursuing your dreams (and autodidacts!).