Coalwood, West Virginia. Home of the Rocket Boys. Homer Hickam's story of life in Coalwood, ROCKET BOYS, and the movie "October Sky" gave rise to the October Sky festival held in Coalwood, Homer's hometown. This year it is being reluctantly moved to nearby Beckley. I've been to this festival and it's a really good time. Homer, O'Dell, and some of the other Rocket Boys come to talk and sign autographs. The book is wonderful and the movie is pretty good too.