Homer Hickam

Homer Hickam was born and raised in the coal mining town of Coalwood, West Virginia. He is the author of many best-selling books, including the acclaimed memoir Rocket Boys (Delacorte) which was made into the film October Sky. Rocket Boys is studied in hundreds of schools and is popular around the world. He also wrote Torpedo Junction (Navel Inst Pr), the definitive history of the U-boat battles along the east coast during World War II, and a series of World War II-era books collectively called the Josh Thurlow novels.

After graduating from college as an engineer, Homer began a life of adventure. He served in the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam. He was a scuba instructor and expert wreck diver. He trained astronauts and designed spacecraft for NASA. He is an amateur paleontologist who has discovered a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Mr. Hickam has received many awards and honors. Among them are the prestigious University of Alabama’s Clarence Cason Award and the Appalachian Heritage Writer’s Award for his memoirs and fiction. He also received an honorary Doctorate of Literature from Marshall University.

Mr. Hickam is married to Linda Terry Hickam, an artist and his first editor and assistant. They love their cats and share their time between homes in Alabama and the Virgin Islands.

Learn more at HomerHickam.com.

Books by Homer Hickam

Carrying Albert Home (William Morrow)

Sky of Stone (Delacorte Press)

We Are Not Afraid (Health Communications, Incorporated)

The Keeper’s Son (Thomas Dunne Books)

The Ambassador’s Son (Thomas Dunne Books)

The Far Reaches (Thomas Dunne Books)

Red Helmet (Thomas Nelson)