Chapter 13, The Rocket Book- Chapter 14, The Pillar Explosion Summary and Analysis

In January 1958 there is a huge snowstorm. O'Dell, Roy Lee and Sherman and Sonny ride their sleds over the mountains to school and arrive by lunchtime to learn that school is suspended. Miss Riley gives Sonny a book that she and Miss Bryson, the librarian, ordered, "Principles of Guided Missile Design." Sonny feels like she has given him something straight from God. Sonny says he'll enter the science fair if she wants him to. She says, "When you're ready," (p. 199). Sonny and the boys play cards at Emily Sue's house. Dorothy tortures Sonny by being flirtatious, but Roy Lee knows it isn't love. Sonny leaves late, and struggles to get home through the ice, snow and cold. Sonny is rescued, warmed up and cooked a hot meal...