Homer H Hickam Jr.

State: West Virginia

Born in 1943 in Coalwood, West Virginia, Homer Hickam grew up in a coal mining town where his fascination with rockets ultimately inspired his bestselling memoir Rocket Boys, later adapted into the film October Sky. A Vietnam War veteran and former NASA engineer, Hickam’s life blends scientific curiosity with working-class roots. After leaving NASA in 1998, he turned full-time to writing—producing memoirs, historical fiction, and thrillers such as the historic Josh Thurlow series set during World War II. His narratives combine personal determination, Appalachian culture, and technical realism. Alongside bestsellers like Carrying Albert Home, Hickam continues to inspire readers of all ages through storytelling that celebrates ingenuity, community, and the pursuit of dreams.

Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Memoir, Science Fiction, Thriller

Audiences: Adult, Young Adult