October Sky

A parent would reach for this book when their child is feeling stifled by their surroundings or lacks the confidence to pursue a niche interest that others might find unusual. It is an ideal choice for a teenager who is starting to look toward the future and grappling with the pressure of family expectations versus personal dreams. The story follows Sonny Hickam and his friends, the Rocket Boys, as they teach themselves calculus and physics to build rockets in a small 1950s mining town. While the technical aspects of rocketry provide the framework, the heart of the memoir lies in the complicated relationship between Sonny and his father, a man devoted to the coal mines. This book offers a mature look at resilience, the importance of mentorship, and the reality that success often requires defying the status quo. It is best suited for middle and high schoolers due to its sophisticated themes and honest depiction of life in a blue-collar community.