Winston Churchill once said: “Continuous effort – not strength or intelligence – is the key to unlocking our potential.” » Effort and sheer determination are key elements of the Rocket Boys' success throughout Homer Hickam's October Sky. Because of the effort and determination Sonny had to put in to pursue his dreams throughout the October Sky memoir, the theme of this book can be used to help any 21st century student achieve their dreams. effort or having the determination to want to build his rockets, his dreams would not have come true. When the Rocket Boys started building rockets, much of the town was against them, they were bullied, and Sonny's own father was even against him. One of the only people who really pushed Sonny down the path of building a rocket was his mother. On page 52, his mother said, “Show him you can do something!” Build a rocket! (52) The “him” in this case was Sonny’s father. His father didn't think he would accomplish anything in life, but Sonny's determination would eventually prove him wrong. So many people were against Sonny and the Rocket Boys in the beginning and middle of the book, but when people started to see what they actually did, a lot of people turned towards them. One of the main reasons many people started supporting the Rocket Boys was because they had never seen anything like it in Coalwood before. All anyone was used to or comfortable with was mining and football. When the idea of ​​rockets was brought up, almost everyone in town was hostile to the idea because it was different. Different wasn't necessarily welcome in the town of Coalwood, but Sonny and his mother saw a way out. It's a...... middle of paper ......October Sky, but the one that stands out the most is in the theme of the novel. The Rocket Boys would not have succeeded if they did not have a key determination when it came to quality. Rockets, especially Sonny, experienced countless setbacks that prevented them from building their rockets. They also had to learn how to build rockets. Learning to build rockets from scratch takes a lot of effort and time, which rockets put into their rockets. It also teaches a very important life lesson; if you put enough effort, time and work into something and if you are determined enough, you can achieve anything, which is the attitude needed in the 21st century right now. In conclusion, October Sky teaches a great lesson through the brilliant theme of the book, which can be used even with anyone, especially with high school students of the 21st century..