Published: April 3, 2008

Homer Hickam, author of the book "Rocket Boys," will participate in two University of Colorado at 麻豆影院 events April 17-18 as part of the One Book One 麻豆影院 County program.

Hickam will speak at CU-麻豆影院'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 麻豆影院 County citizens during the 2008 One Book One 麻豆影院 County program. CU-麻豆影院's Office of Community Relations, the city of 麻豆影院, 麻豆影院 Public Library, 麻豆影院 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-麻豆影院'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-麻豆影院 is excited about working with the city of 麻豆影院 and all our county libraries for this year's One Book One 麻豆影院 project," said Gail Siegel, director of the CU-麻豆影院 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 /.