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 recently discovered a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
Homer and his wife Linda and their four cats share their time between homes in Huntsville, Alabama, and the Virgin Islands.
Books by Homer Hickam:
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)