ABOUT THE AUTHOR Homer Hickam has been a writer since the third grade when his teacher told him “Some day, Sonny, you’ll make your living as a writer.” He determined that if that was so, he’d begin right away by publishing his own newspaper even though he was only seven years old. His newspaper proved a hit and often sold out. Writing continued to be his passion throughout life. There was, however, a slight deviation when he also decided he wanted to be an engineer. This he did, even eventually working for NASA, although he continued to write.

Today, he is the author of many books, all best-sellers, including the internationally acclaimed memoir Rocket Boys which was made into the award winning film October Sky. Life these days is exciting for Homer Hickam. He vigorously pursues his hobby of amateur paleontology, otherwise known as dinosaur bone-hunting. He is an accomplished scuba diver and a retired instructor. But his third grade teacher was right. He makes his living as a writer and he’d have it no other way.

He is the author of 19 books, including the newly released, Carrying Albert Home.

Homer is married to Linda Terry Hickam, an artist and his first editor and assistant. They have beloved furchildren cats and share time between homes in Huntsville, Alabama, (which, appropriately enough is known as Rocket City USA), and St. John, USVI.

For more information about Homer Hickam and his books, visit: www.homerhickam.com.

A (SKYPE) CONVERSATION WITH THE AUTHORn Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m. Main Library/WarrenJoin us for a conversation with Rocket Boys author Homer H. Hickam, Jr.!

Mr. Hickam will be talking with us and taking your questions live via Skype. You’ll see him on the screen in the meeting room and hear some of his stories about Rocket Boys as he talks with us and answers some of your questions.

Free Programs & Events Guide

The Space AgeComes to Trumbull County

duringOne Book/One Community 2015

Join the conversation!One Book/One Community 2015 is supported in part by the

Martini Martin Arts Trust and the Warren Kiwanis Club.

One Book/One Community 2015 is a collaboration of:

Girard Free Library 105 E. Prospect St. • Girard, OH 44420 • (330) 545-2508

Hubbard Public Library 436 West Liberty St. • Hubbard, OH 44425 • (330) 534-3512

Kent State University Trumbull 4314 Mahoning Ave. • Warren, OH 44483 • (330) 847-0571

McKinley Memorial Library 40 N. Main St. • Niles, OH 44446 • (330) 652-1704

Newton Falls Public Library 204 South Canal St. • Newton Falls, OH 44444 • (330) 872-1282

Warren-Trumbull County Public Library

Main Library • Outreach Services 444 Mahoning Ave. NW • Warren, OH • 44483 (330) 399-8807

Brookfield Branch Library 7032 Grove St. • Brookfield, OH 44403 • (330) 448-8134

Cortland Branch Library 578 Lakeview Dr. • Cortland, OH 44410 • (330) 638-6335

Howland Branch Library 9095 East Market St. • Warren, OH 44484 • (330) 856-2011

Liberty Branch Library 415 Churchill-Hubbard Rd. • Youngstown, OH 44505 • (330) 759-2589

Lordstown Branch Library 1471 Salt Springs Rd. • Lordstown, OH 44481 • (330) 824-2094

Read the book, and then join in the conversation! Copies of the book in paper format, eBook, or book-on-CD are available to borrow from your local library. On the following pages, you’ll find listings of group discussions

plus guest lectures, movie presentations, and activities related to this inspiring book.

ABOUT ONE BOOK/ONE COMMUNITY One Book/One Community is a community initiative that encourages everyone to celebrate reading through conversations and events related to one book.

Be part of One Book/One Community 2015 this October as we read and discuss: Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickam, Jr.

ABOUT THE BOOKRocket Boys is the #1 New York Times best-selling memoir that was made into the critically acclaimed film October Sky.

It is the true story of Homer “Sonny” Hickam, Jr., a boy from the mining town of Coalwood, West Virginia, who dreamed of launching rockets and becoming a NASA engineer.

The story begins in 1957 when Sonny was just 14 years old and Sputnik, the world’s first artificial Earth satellite, raced across the Appalachian sky. Sputnik left in its wake one boy’s desire to join the space race, a dream that he ardently pursued with the help (and sometimes hindrance) of the people in Coalwood, the unique little town of his youth.

Homer’s story of growing up in Coalwood, West Virginia, a town where everything was dying except his dreams, became an instant classic, inspiring millions to follow his example and better their lives through hard work, perseverance, and joyful enthusiasm. This acclaimed book was selected one of the New York Times Great Books of 1998 and was nominated by the National Book Critics Circle as Best Biography of 1998.

Homer H. Hickam, Jr.

One Book/One Community 2015 – Programs & Events

BOOK DISCUSSIONSn Thursday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m.: Main Library/Warrenn Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.: Howland Branch Libraryn Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m.: Cortland Branch Libraryn Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m.: Liberty Branch Libraryn Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m.: Hubbard Public LibraryRead Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickam, Jr., and then join in a discussion to share your opinions, questions, and insights.

DEMONSTRATIONS & WORKSHOPSIt IS Rocket Sciencen Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 5 p.m.: Liberty Branch Libraryn Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 5 p.m.: Brookfield Branch Libraryn Friday, Oct. 16 at 3 p.m.: Howland Branch Libraryn Friday, Oct. 23 at 3 p.m.: Lordstown Branch LibraryLearn how to make indoor rockets and try other cool science experiments using household items. For grades 7-12. Registration is required; call each library to sign up.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Read-Inn Saturday, Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Hubbard Public Libraryn Saturday, Oct. 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Hubbard Public LibrarySpend a little quiet time focusing on Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickam, Jr., or any other reading selection you enjoy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carnival Escapadesn Oct. 7 through Oct. 9 from 3 to 5 p.m.: Hubbard Public LibraryRocket themed carnival games can be found throughout the library. Pick up a punch card in the teen room or at the book sale and complete all the activities. Completed punch cards can be redeemed at the Hubbard Friend’s Book Sale Oct. 7–Oct. 9 for $1.00 off your total book purchase.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . One Book Blast-Off Partyn Saturday, Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: St. Stephen’s school gymnasium, NilesChildren can enjoy a program on the science of gravity and propulsion, hear stories, make a rocket craft, watch a movie, and even fly a drone from 10 a.m. to noon. A book review and the movie based on the book will take place from noon to 2 p.m. for adults.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Robotics Team Demon Friday, Oct. 16 at 2 p.m.: Main Library/WarrenMembers of the Robotics teams from Champion High School and Warren G. Harding High School will talk about how they build their robots—from how they come up with design ideas to types of materials they use. Plus, they will demonstrate their work!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Family Nightn Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m.: Hubbard Public LibraryExplore rocketry through exciting hands-on demonstrations with special guest presenters from OH WOW. Registration required. Registration begins Oct. 5; call 330.534.3512, ext. 4.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Your Life’s Story: Memoir Writing Workshopn Thursday, Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. (for adults) and at 3 p.m. (for teens): Hubbard Public LibraryA life story is an interesting mix of who we are and what happens to us, our facts and our emotions. Everyone has challenges, but the details of your life are uniquely yours. Join writers from Lit Youngstown in a night of what writer Natalie Goldberg calls “writing down the bones.” We’ll look at what makes a good memoir, balancing truth and feeling, shaping them into a personal history, being the amazing narrator of your own life. Register at 330.534.3512 x6 by Oct. 12.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Drone Onn Friday, Oct. 23 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.: Hubbard Public LibraryLearn about where drones come from, what they can do, and how people are using them today. From search and rescue to agriculture to selfies, drones can be an amazing, useful and fun device. Learn the drone’s capabilities and have the opportunity to fly one for yourself!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CAP Model Rocketryn Saturday, Oct. 24 at 1 p.m.: Hubbard Public LibraryCome meet incredible members of the Civil Air Patrol; learn about what they offer teens and LAUNCH ROCKETS!! CAP’s Model Rocketry program is an achievement program for cadets interested in the science, technology, and flight of model rockets. This pre-view will explain some rocketry and introduce the science behind it as well as showcasing the CAP program.

GUEST LECTURESConformity and Rebellion: The Late 1950sn Sunday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.: Main Library/WarrenThe mid- to late-1950s were a time of important scientific, cultural, artistic, and political events. It was the era of Sputnik, James Dean, Elvis Presley, and the Civil Rights Movement.Dr. Kenneth Bindas, Professor and Chair of the Department of History at Kent State University, will talk about some of the people and events that influenced those coming of age at the dawn of the 1960s.This lecture will “set the stage” to help the audience understand the cultural significance of Rocket Boys.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Space Explorationn Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.: Main Library/Warren

The Space Age began October 4, 1957, with the launch of Sputnik. Since then, manned missions have taken men as far as the Moon while unmanned missions have recently left the Solar System and entered interstellar space for the first time.

Guest speaker Dr. David L. Ellis will examine the history of manned and unmanned space missions with an em-phasis on The Space Race plus discuss select current missions and potential future missions.

Ellis grew up in Florida in the 1960s and early 1970s. Some of his earliest memories were of watching rockets blast-off from Kennedy Space Cen-ter. He later graduated from Purdue University and Case Western Reserve University with degrees in Materials Science. Since joining NASA Lewis (now Glenn) Research Center (Cleve-land, OH), he has primarily worked on materials for rocket and jet engines.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Homer Hickam’s Moonn Saturday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m.: Howland Branch Library

At this presentation for all ages, guest Sharon Shanks will talk about Homer Hickam’s Moon: What the Rocket Boys were inspired by, what America accomplished, and why we should go back.

Shanks is a former lecturer at the Ward Beecher Planetarium at Youngstown State University.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Under the Earth to Out of this World: Coal Mining and the Rocket Boysn Monday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m.: Liberty Branch Library

n Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 11 a.m.: Main Library/Warren

n Tuesday, October 27 at 6 p.m.: Hubbard Public Library

Lindsey Fisher will present this lecture about coal mining and Rocket Boys. She will talk about the environmental effects of coal mining, with a focus on Pennsylvania and Ohio coal towns, as well as a discussion of life in a company town, the world of the Rocket Boys, and their scientific achievements.

Fisher currently works at the Youngs-town Historical Center of Industry and Labor in Youngstown. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Education from Youngstown State University and is in her second year of study for her Master’s Degree of History.

A limited number of free passes for future admission to the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor will be given out at the lecture.

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MOVIE SHOWINGS

October Skyn Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 5:30 p.m.: Liberty Branch Library

n Thursday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.: Howland Branch Library

n Monday, Oct. 19 at 2 p.m.: Main Library/Warren

n Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m.: Hubbard High School Auditorium

n Thursday, Oct. 22 at 6 p.m.: Cortland Branch Library

NASA engineer Homer H. Hickam, Jr.’s autobiography provided the basis for this drama starring Jake Gyllenhaal as a teenager coming of age at the dawn of the space race. (Film rated PG; runtime 108 mins.)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . October Sky Interactive Movie Nightn Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 6:30 p.m.: Hubbard Public Library

Guests will receive a small bag of items and directions on how to bring this movie to life. Registration is required; call 330.534.3512 x 6.

The Day a Woodpecker Attacked the Space ShuttlePresented by Don Thomas, Space Shuttle Astronaut, STS-65, 70, 83, 94

n Thursday, Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.: Kent State University Trumbull, campus auditorium (4314 Mahoning Avenue NW, Warren, Ohio)

In June of 1995, the “All-Ohio” crew of the STS-70 mission aboard Space Shuttle Discovery was finishing their final day of training before their launch, only seven days away. Everything was looking good for the mission until it

was discovered that a single wood-pecker had tried to make a nest in the big fuel tank of the space shuttle, creating 205 holes in the process.

During this presentation, NASA astronaut and Cleveland native Don Thomas will discuss why the wood-pecker did such a thing, what NASA did to prevent future attacks, and what our Ohio astronauts accomplished on this flight, one of the more unusual missions of the Space Shuttle Program. Copies of his book, Orbit of Discovery – The All-Ohio Space Shuttle Mission will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

ESSAY AND ART CONTESTn “My Teacher is Out of this World” Essay and Art Contest: Hubbard Public Library

Rules and entry forms available beginning Sept. 20 at the Silly Science Sunday event at Oh Wow! Children’s Museum at the Hubbard Public Library display table. They are also available at the Hubbard Public Library reference desk. Deadline to enter is Oct. 9.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Don Thomas

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