Coalwood, a town founded on the mining industry, is consumed by nothing more than the work in the mines and high school football. Very few characters throughout the novel are able to see other aspects of life apart from mining. Relationship’s crumble between those who dream of more than following the typical miner path career and those who want to get out of Coalwood and make something of themselves. Elsie, Homer Jr.’s mother, uses her support of Homer Jr.’s fascination with building a rocket to promote not only his dreams but also her own.
Throughout the novel, Elsie Hickam takes as many actions and steps as necessary to promote Homer Jr. and his interests. As a mom, she sees that Homer Jr. is different and not interested