Homer Hickman wrote the Josh Thurlow science fiction novels.
Homer Hadley Hickam , Jr. -LRB- born February 19 , 1943 -RRB- is an American author , Vietnam veteran , and a former NASA engineer .. Vietnam. Vietnam War. Vietnam veteran. Vietnam veteran. NASA. NASA. His memoir Rocket Boys was a New York Times Best Seller and is studied in many American and international school systems , and was the basis for the 1999 film October Sky .. memoir. memoir. Rocket Boys. Rocket Boys. October Sky. October Sky. Hickam has also written a number of best-selling memoirs and novels including the `` Josh Thurlow '' historical fiction novels .. His books have been translated into many languages .