| Papers [1-15] of 100 :: [Page 1 of 7] | | Go to page : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 —> | Search results on "ROCKET BOYS": |
|
|
"Rocket Boys", 2007.
A review of chapters six to fourteen of Homer Hickman's book "Rocket Boys."
1,286 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 0 sources, $ 43.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper provides a chapter by chapter review of Homer Hickman's book "Rocket Boys." It begins with chapters six to seven and takes the reader through the book, up until chapter fourteen. In each section, the paper describes the events of each set of chapters and briefly explains the theme and message that can be taken from that section of the book.
Table of Contents:
Rocket Boys: Chapters 6-7
Rocket Boys Ch.8-9
Rocket Boys Ch. 10-11
Rocket Boys Ch.12-14
From the Paper
"One of the most interesting aspects of this scene is how it echoes many other scenes in Rocket Boys where women help Homer succeed, even while less forward-thinking, jealous, or brutish men do not. Homer's father wants him to work for the mines; Homer's mother wants him to become a scientist. Homer's principal makes the curriculum more difficult only when the school's future football seasons are threatened, Homer's teacher encourages him to shoot for the stars. Even the girls protect the Rocket Club members from the football players at the school and the school even has a female librarian who helps Homer and Miss Riley get the important book on rocket design. "Sonny, it may take awhile, but I believe you can learn the things that are in that book," says Miss Riley, and urges him to enter the science fair (207). Admiration (and perhaps a bit of a schoolboy crush) for Miss Riley acts as a powerful motivational force that drives the young Homer's ambition. "'Miss Riley,' I said, 'if you want me to enter I'll do it'" (207)."
| |
|
Rocket Boys, 2007.
This paper discusses the book "Rocket Boys" by Homer Hickman and looks at the pain and the delights of being different.
954 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 33.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the strength of 'Rocket Boys' as a memoir is that it is a tale that is both universal and particular. The writer maintains that Homer must deal with quarreling parents, roughhousing at school, and insensitive authority figures like the principal of his school. Although these difficulties are common to most adolescents, the writer notes that Homer's tale is also set during a unique period of American history, when America was coming to terms with its role as a superpower. The writer points out that the Rocket Boys did not merely build a rocket, and realize their dream of emulating their favorite scientists. They also changed the culture of the town in which they lived, which is perhaps every young person's greatest dream. The writer concludes that the older people were wrong and the boys were right, but the Rocket Boys changed the world, not through mindless rebellion and negation, but through mindful and positive pursuit of a great dream.
From the Paper
"Homer's father was the mine superintendent. Homer Senior believed in the town and wanted Homer to follow in his footsteps. Homer had a clear choice--he could obey his father or he could obey his mother. His mother dreamed of a different life for her son, that he would grow up to fulfill all of her hopes and ambitions. She had seen firsthand the dangers of mine work, as well as the glories promised by the future of aerospace engineering, proclaimed by all of the newscasters after the launch of the Russian Sputnik. Homer's parents were in constant conflict, and he could not ally himself with one or the other, without losing either his mother or his father. Homer's father was such a presence in the town that Homer has no existence beyond his father's shadow at the beginning of the book--even his teachers called him Sonny. Although Homer loved his father, ultimately it was Elsie who drove her son to the National Science Fair at the end of the book. While Homer's parents both loved him, and Homer senior's outlook on life seems hopelessly conservative, patriarchal, reactionary, and backward-looking in the eyes of a contemporary reader. Homer's struggle resonates with any child who is the product of divorce, or simply a difficult home situation."
| |
|
"Rocket Boys", 2005.
This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the book, "Rocket Boys", by Homer Hickam, Jr., which is about the relationship between the author and his father.
785 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 27.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The paper compares and contrasts the author, Homer Hickam, Jr., and his father. The paper explains that Homer and his father seem to be from two different worlds that can never come together. Homer has ambition and dreams, and his father cannot see past their small, West Virginia, coal-mining town. The main difference between Homer and his father is that Homer has dreams, and his father only wants to smash those dreams because he thinks they will never come true; he fears his son will only end up bitter and disappointed. It shows how, in the end, Homer is stronger than his father and has become the man his father cannot be because he has grown beyond him and the small, West Virginia, coal-mining town.
From the Paper
"Homer's father works as a superintendent in the mine, and his life revolves around the mine. Because of this, he cannot see that the mine and the town are dying, and the future lies away from Coalwood. Homer Jr. can see the town is slowly dying, and so, he wants to leave the town and make something important and valuable out of his life. He works on the rocket because he wants to work with Werner von Bruan building rockets that will take men into space. He is not consumed with the mine, as his father his. Hickam writes, "Dad rarely came home from the mine, and when he did, he ate the cold leavings. I fully expected the rest of my life in Coalwood to go on exactly like this" (Hickam 256). Unfortunately, he can see there is no future in his hometown, but his father is blind to that, he is so consumed with the mine. Homer's father tries to get in the way of his rocket building because he is afraid. He is afraid Homer will not succeed, or will succeed, but will have nowhere but the mines to go, and that he will end up bitter and disappointed. To him, there is no life other than the mine. He tells his son, "'There's no men in the world like miners, Sonny."
| |
|
"The Rocket Boys", 2002.
A discussion of H.H. Hickam's book.
1,125 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, $ 39.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
Discussion of H.H. Hickam's book. The dream of Hickam and his friends to build a rocket and have a place in the U.S. Space Program. How their rocket was built. Entry in the National Science Fair. Winning a gold and silver medal. The realization of his dream when he became a NASA engineer.
From the Paper
"THE ROCKET BOYS
Boys always dreamed of getting off the ground. Kites, model airplanes, balloons, whatever could me made in their rooms or the garage or the backyard that would soar and lift their imaginations. And then came the Nineteen Sixties, when the Russians were the first to put a man into space. Now, the dreams of boys were not a contest of one boy in one neighborhood against the other, it was Americans against the Russians. When Sonny's mother asked him what that news broadcast and the beeping sound was all about, he knew the answer right away. "I knew exactly what it was. All the science-fiction books and Dad's magazines I'd read over the years put me in good stead to answer. 'It's a space satellite, I explained. 'We were supposed to launch one this year, too. I can't believe the Russians beat us to it'" (Hickam, 1998 ..."
| |
|
?Boys Will be Boys?, 2002.
A review of the book ?Boys Will be Boys? by Myriam Miedzian which discusses the issues of gender in American society.
1,490 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 0 sources, $ 49.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines the book ?Boys Will be Boys? by Myriam Miedzian which discusses why boys in contemporary America society turn to violence so often. It looks at how Miedzian finds that what we call male behavior is accepted in society as the norm, as if males were violent by nature and so had to act out certain rituals as part of their genetic heritage. It examines how, although Miedzian believes that males are born with a certain predisposition toward violent behavior, external factors such as better parenting and education do have an effect. It compares the views of Miedzian to that of other biological theorists on the evolution of traits in mankind.
From the Paper
"The author finds that this all derives from a view that males are born with a certain predisposition toward violent behavior. As a group, males are more prone to violent behavior, but those who actually exhibit violent behavior seem to be suffering form one or more disabilities, such as learning disabilities, brain injury at birth, maternal alcoholism, and so on. Some see a domineering mother as a cause of violent behavior in the next generation, but the author believes the absentee father is another cause, whether that father be physically absent or merely uninvolved in the raising of his children. Many also believe that males make poor child-nurturers and that if they did involve themselves more in the raising of children, those children would come out much worse off than they do at present. The author argues with this conclusion as well."
| |
|
"Boys will be Boys", 2005.
This paper analyzes Myriam Miedzian's book "Boys will be Boys" about male violence in modern society.
1,177 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 40.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that the fundamental premise of Myriam Miedzian's "Boys will be Boys" is that violence in society can be drastically reduced, both in terms of war and crime, if society is willing to tear down the traditional archetypes of masculinity. The author points out that one of the most common lines of attack that Miedzian takes into consideration is the notion that somehow the male is biologically inclined to be violent, which stems from the argument put forth by a number of socio-biologists. The paper concludes that proposals for changing this archetype are likely to be insufficient in ultimately shifting the perspective held by society because market forces are likely to continue advertising and supporting the male as a figure of action for the simple reason that it is profitable.
From the Paper
"The second powerful argument that Miedzian is forced to grapple with deals with the theories of political realism. Specifically, the idea that violent and aggressive males are advantageous to society because of foreign struggles and wars. Still, she classifies this premise as false and writes, "The 'real men' who run our country are handicapped by the values of the masculine mystique to make rational foreign policy decisions. . . . The masculine mystique teaches men to be tough, to repress empathy, and not to let moral concerns weigh to heavily when the goal is winning." Overall, she believes that these traits are harmful on a large scale and inevitable lead to unnecessary conflict."
| |
|
Boys Will Be Boys, 2001.
Examines issues of gender in U.S. Connection between male behavior & violence.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 1 source, $ 47.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
From the Paper
" In the book Boys Will Be Boys, Myriam Miedzian examines issues of gender in American society, specifically with an eye to analyzing why boys in America turn to violence so often in contemporary society. The subtitle is "Breaking the Link Between Masculinity and Violence," suggesting that the book will show ways of altering the usual connection seen between being male and being violent.
The author finds that what we call male behavior is accepted in society as the norm, as if males were violent by nature and so had to act out certain rituals as part of their genetic heritage. The differences between the genders were..."
| |
|
Boys vs. Girls; Girls and Boys, 2008.
This paper provides a literary analysis of Alice Munro's novel "Found Boat" and focuses on the dilemma raised regarding boys versus girls.
1,212 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 41.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Munro's short story is about two young preteen girls, Eva and Carol, and their quest to be noticed by the uninterested boys. The writer discusses that Munro effectively manipulates the obscure rules of pre-teenagers to create the dilemma where Eva and Carol try to attract the other boys' attention using a boat they found.Through Munro's excellent understanding of the preteen rational, the author creates a dilemma for the young Eve and Carol to search the attention they seek, and in turn expresses the reality of such a fragile time period as the preteen years. The writer maintains that it is important that authors like Munro reminds readers of a time with simple rules so people can escape back to that certain time through the artistry of their fictional works.
From the Paper
"It is commonly understood that society abides by a strict unwritten law, and through the various stages of life those rules change drastically. For example, as children: the rules state that a boy and a girl are mutual and utter enemies, but as the children enter the preteen marker, the rules seem to change completely. Eventually, both sexes find themselves fascinated with one another. Yet, by the mandate of puberty, this change does not happen simultaneously, it is the female that goes through these mind and body changes first, and as a result a young preteen girl might start finding interest in the opposite sex but not get the same interest back. Author Alice Munro surely understands this concept and uses it as a palette to paint her short story, "The Found Boat"."
| |
|
Underachieving Boys, 2002.
This paper discusses the problem of underachievement of boys, in contrast to girls, and suggests changes in the way boys are taught.
1,720 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 10 sources, $ 55.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper reviews the literature to understand the possible contribution of the unique psychosomatic predisposition of boys and its relation to the underachievement. The author believes that there is a clear urgency to analyze and restructure the educational methodologies to suit the special requirements of boys. The paper suggests replacing the dependency on didactic methods with more active participation of the students, which is more productive for boys as well as girls; use of computers and complementing textbook material with graphical presentations and shorter periods.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Problem
Literature review
Father?s Role
Solutions
Conclusion
From the Paper
"A British research program conducted by the Oxford University stresses that active participation by the father has a significant effect on the boy?s educational performance. This 40-year-old study monitored the progress of the volunteering students at different periods of time from 7,11, 16, 23 up to 33 (years). The students were graded according to the level of participation of the fathers in their educational pursuits. The research data indicated that students who had the active participation and support of their fathers were the most successful in their educational as well as their social lives. The ?British market research bureau? survey indicted that only 12% of fathers participate actively in their child?s education. According to Mr. Ann Buchanan, one of the chief researchers in the Oxford project, opines, "The early years are critical. More needs to be done to involve fathers and help them understand they have an important role. School parent meetings need to become more father-friendly and health visitors and hospitals need to talk to fathers.? "
| |
|
Boys and Reading: Gender Stereotyping, 2008.
A discussion on the underperformance of boys when they learn to read in comparison to girls.
2,469 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 75.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the underperformance of boys at reading and language skills in comparison to girls. The essay provides a critical exploration of the issues in the debate, and argues the thesis that the underperformance of boys at reading and language skills in comparison to girls is a consequence of systemic gender stereotyping in our society as a whole.
Outline:
Introduction
Boys and Reading: The Critical Context
Boys and Reading: The Stereotype
Boys and Reading: What Can Educators Do?
Analysis
From the Paper
"Among contemporary teaching professionals, one of the most compelling issues of our time is that of the underperformance of boys at reading and language skills in comparison to girls. This is a particularly controversial issue, as it follows upon a very similar concern in the discipline some years before regarding the underperformance of girls in particular subjects. Moreover, as any review of the literature on the subject will reveal, the complex and controversial issues of gender stereotyping, and how we as a society understand, construct and/or shape masculinity, lie at the core of the debate."
| |
|
Boys' Reading Habits, 2008.
An analysis of the reading habits and comprehension abilities of boys.
2,812 words (approx. 11.2 pages), 42 sources, APA, $ 83.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses literacy development and reading habits among students. It particularly focuses on this issue among boys. The paper looks at the elements that facilitate the growth of reading comprehension ability and discusses the importance of students' access to books. The paper also discusses the effect of reading out of school and looks at types of reading motivation. It then discusses boys' reading choices and their perceptions towards reading.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Reading Habit and Interest
Reading out of School
Types of Readers
Types of Reading Motivation
Boys' Reading Choices
Boys' Perceptions Towards Reading
Reasons why Boys are Reluctant Readers
Summary
From the Paper
"Researchers state that boys have shown contrast in their reading compared to reading materials preferred by schools; schools favor book based learning and fiction while boys have idiosyncratic reading choices in their reading materials that may lead to them being recognized as bad readers as their reading interest may not match those preferred by the school."
"Factors that influence the attitude of boys as reluctant readers fall into three areas which are the family, peer group and friendship group. Parents are shown to be powerful literary models for their children as they provide them with earliest books and materials and often act as their first teacher in promoting the reading habit. Peer groups bring with them peer pressure to confirm to a certain belief, while friendship groups function as a social practice to develop and maintain relationships with peers. These two factors influence reading habit and interest."
| |
|
The Beach Boys, 2006.
This paper examines the music and history behind the legendary American group, the Beach Boys.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 45.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper details the rise, fall and rise again of the Beach Boys, one of the most influential rock bands in the U.S. This paper delves into the birth of the Beach Boys which took place in Hawthorne, California in 1961. The original members were brothers, Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson, cousin Mike Love and Al Jardine. The Beach Boys are known for having invented "California Rock," a style that celebrated and idealized California teen life, which was comprised of surfing, driving and dating. This writer of this paper cites many of the band's musical hits, including "Surfin' Safari," released in 1962, "I Get Around," "Fun, Fun, Fun" and "Help Me, Rhonda." In 1968, the Beach Boys became the first American rock band to perform in Russia. This paper also delves into the personal lives of the band members, including Brian Wilson's mental state. During the band's rise to fame, Wilson's ambitions, neuroses and drug intake were on the rise and negatively affecting the band. This paper examines the various reasons behind the band's five year hiatus which began in 1970 and its eventual re-grouping in the 1980s. Despite the positive reviews surrounding the comeback of the Beach Boys, the 1980s would prove to be anything but positive for the band. This paper also touches on the various internal conflicts between the band members. The writer contends and explains why the essence of the band is still popular today.
From the Paper
"Despite the positive comeback, the eighties would be a decade that would prove to be anything but easy and musical. Carl Wilson quit the band to work on his solo career. According to Romanowski, he was the one band member that opposed how the band was reverting to a nostalgic sound instead of moving forward. Romanowski maintains that the band was indeed an "oldies-but-goodies act, albeit an extraordinarily successful one." In 1983, Wilson joined the band again but the year was marked with tragedy as brother Carl drowned. After a short while, Brian left the group again and the band enjoyed another success with the single "Kokomo" without him. In the meantime, Wilson's solo effort did not sell well and in 1994, he was touring with the band again. More troubles lay ahead, however, as Love sued Wilson for defamation of character in 1994."
| |
|
"Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys", 2004.
A review of the book "Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys" by Dan Kindlon and Michael Thompson.
1,151 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 39.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses the book "Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys" written by Dan Kindlon and Michael Thompson. The paper contends that the book is an important and a fascinating read to all boys and their families. Both authors have been convincing in their argument that for boys it would be good if they become more 'emotionally literate' in order to comprehend their own feelings as well as others. The valuable and insightful proposal given by these writers would be welcomed by parents and teachers alike to learn how to stay tuned in to a boy and at the same time respect his autonomy. The paper claims that the book gives its readers a much-needed glimpse into the hidden or 'inner' lives of boys.
From the Paper
"The book Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Life of Boys reveals a realm of boys who are hurting sad, quiet, frightened and annoyed. According to the statistics in the book it is alarming that quite a number of young boys are at high risk for suicide, loneliness, drinking, drug abuse and violence. In light of those statistics the authors set out to answer this basic, vital question: What do boys need that they're not getting? In answering this, here, Kindlon and Thompson have shed light on the destructive emotional training boys receive which is basically in other words is called as the emotional mis-education of boys."
| |
|
?The War Against Boys?, 2002.
A review of the book "The War against Boys: How Misguided Feminism is Harming our Young Men" by Christina Hoff Sommers.
1,550 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper introduces the book "The War against Boys: How Misguided Feminism is Harming our Young Men," by Christina Hoff Sommers, an engaging book about modern feminist values and how they are affecting young people. It looks at how Christina Hoff Sommers believes society is emasculating boys with feminine values, while supporting girls in the classroom and beyond. It shows how in a world where men seem to dominate, Sommers' thoughts are a breath of fresh and much-needed air and how skewing the moral and mental values of boys and girls seems to be far more damaging than we realize. It examines how Sommers shows how "feminizing" boys could forever change the way men see the world and themselves and could be far more damaging than most people realize.
From the Paper
"One reason Sommers cites as evidence for her beliefs and findings are the education statistics for young men in America today. She notes, "Boys, on average, are a year and a half behind girls in reading and writing; they are less committed to school and less likely to go to college" (Sommers 14). The author includes a myriad of statistics and tables, which bear out her findings, especially in the learning patterns of boys versus girls. Boys simply do not hold up in most of the studies done. For example, Sommers states, "Girls read more books. They outperform males of tests of artistic and musical ability. More girls than boys study abroad. More join the Peace Corps. Conversely, more boys than girls are suspended from school. More are held back and drop out" (Sommers 25). Her volume is filled with statistics such as these, illustrating not only her research abilities, but also the idea that our educational systems are failing today's boys ? and failing them badly."
| |
|
The Scottsboro Boys Trial, 2001.
A look at the famous Scottsboro Boys trial and the events that took place leading up the trial as well as during the trial.
1,519 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 3 sources, $ 50.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper chronicles the famous Scottsboro Boys trial. It?s a story of racism in the 1930?s that describes the events leading to the trial, the trial itself and the outcome. The paper describes what happened to the boys while they were in jail and the events and outcome of their second trial. Racism appears and reappears throughout the story of the Scottsboro Boys, as they were sentenced to death on several different occasions, despite obvious inconclusive or debatable evidence. Finally, the paper briefly describes the fate of all people involved in the case.
From the Paper
?When the train that they were riding on stopped in Stevenson, Alabama, the small group of black boys decided to walk along the tracks. A short while later they met up with some more black boys from another car. The boys decided that they would get back at the white boys who had been throwing rocks at them earlier. Once the train started again, the same group of white boys started throwing rocks at the blacks from a lower car. The now rather large group of blacks got in the car that the whites were riding in and started fighting them."
|
|
|
