Let's admit it: of all the ages of life, probably the hardest to get through are the middle school years. In a time when one is desperately trying to figure out who they are, one of the greatest fears for most middle schoolers is being a "nobody." Humiliation can be defined as being ridiculed for being different from the status quo, or perhaps worse, being invisible.

And the media doesn't help. From its portrayal, it seems that the epitome of being "someone" is being a tv or movie star or a sports celebrity. Glamor, glitz, chest thumping, and loud lives are depicted as normal and routine. All needed, the media likes to tell us, in order to be a "somebody."

As a teacher, there is nothing more frustrating than seeing impressionable, young minds being turned towards such shallowness. After teaching hundreds and hundreds of students, many who idolize such behavior, I find myself more and more drawn towards role models who are on the other end of the spectrum: people who are ordinary, simply going about their everyday lives, who suddenly decide to do something extraordinary--not for the fame that it eventually brings, but because they believe in a cause that is larger than themselves.

This blog is a compilation of books, websites, and films that celebrate those who I call Extraordinary People. Their stories are an inspiration--to put it mildly. Some of them are extraordinary because they endure hardship unlike anything any of us have ever known and yet refuse to lose their humanity and dignity. Others are extraordinary because they decide to follow their passions and ultimately display a genius that shines on for centuries. Still others are so because they find a cause worth fighting for and choose not to give up despite tremendous obstacles.

My hope is that in reading and listening to these stories and exploring these websites, middle schoolers will find role models who are truly worth emulating and discover within themselves the desire to become their best every single day.

October Sky directed by Joe Johnston (1999)


Viewing grade level: 6-12

Film length: 108 min.
Film rating: PG for some mild language, teen sensuality, and alcohol use

Film summary and analysis: October Sky is based on the amazing true story of Homer Hickam, one of NASA's leading engineers and instructors for 17 years. We meet Homer as a teenage kid growing up in a poor coal-mining town with his future headed straight for the mines. But he and his friends love rocketry, spending hours upon hours designing and setting off hand-made rockets. One teacher in their school recognizes the talent the boys have, and so she tells them of an opportunity to compete in the national science fair with the winners obtaining college scholarships. Recognizing this as a ticket to a brighter future, Homer and his friends work tirelessly to reach their goal. But their way isn't unhindered, especially when Homer's father is completely opposed to his work.

October Sky is highly inspiring, wonderfully depicting that every dream has many obstacles, but the desire to defeat them will provide a strength unknown to those who aren't willing to give their all.

Additional curricular connections: the human spirit, the science of rocketry, the power of education

Links:
More movie information: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0132477/
Homer Hickam's website: http://www.homerhickam.com/
To review & purchase: http://www.amazon.com/October-Sky-Special-Jake-Gyllenhaal/dp/B0006FYOTC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1324246460&sr=8-1
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