Homer Hickam, author of the book "Rocket Boys," will participate in two University of Colorado at Boulder events April 17-18 as part of the One Book One Boulder County program.
Hickam will speak at CU-Boulder's Macky Auditorium on Friday, April 18, at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m.
Hickam's book "Rocket Boys" was selected as the book to be read and discussed by Boulder County citizens during the 2008 One Book One Boulder County program. CU-Boulder's Office of Community Relations, the city of Boulder, Boulder Public Library, Boulder Arts Commission and the Daily Camera are among the sponsors of the countywide reading event.
A welcome dinner and talk by Hickam will be held on Thursday, April 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the Stadium Club at CU-Boulder's Folsom Field. The dinner is $35 per person. To make reservations for the April 17 dinner call 303-441-3196 by April 13.
"CU-Boulder is excited about working with the city of Boulder and all our county libraries for this year's One Book One Boulder project," said Gail Siegel, director of the CU-Boulder Office of Community Relations. "This year's book by Homer Hickam has provided a wonderful format for reading groups on campus and fun activities -- including our Rocket Day, being held on April 12."
On Saturday, April 12, Fiske Planetarium and Sommers-Bausch Observatory will celebrate Astronomy Day. The free public event will include several rocket-making classes between noon and 4 p.m., a free planetarium screening of the movie "October Sky," at 5 p.m., a telescope giveaway and use of the observatory's telescopes, weather permitting.
Hickam's book "Rocket Boys" was made into the popular 1999 movie "October Sky," which tells Hickam's story of growing up as a coalminer's son whose dreams of launching rockets are realized against the odds.
For more information about the upcoming events call Siegel at 303-492-7084 or visit www.colorado.edu/communityrelations/onebook/.