Rising Action 

Chapters 9-11 show the rising action of the story

The rising action is when Sonny Hickam, and his friends face challenges while trying to build and launch rockets, like gathering materials, facing opposition from their families and the community, and dealing with failures and setbacks. As they persist in pursuing their passion, their rockets become more sophisticated, leading to a pivotal moment where their dedication starts to pay off. This phase builds tension and leads toward the climax of the story.

Climax

Chapters 18-20 best show the climax of the story

This is where the culmination of Sonny and his friends' efforts in rocketry reaches a pivotal moment. They participate in the National Science Fair, facing challenges and uncertainties along the way. The outcome of this event and the personal growth and realizations experienced by the characters mark a significant turning point in the narrative.

Falling Action

Chapters 22-24 best show the falling action of the story

The falling action involves the resolution of various storylines, such as Sonny's father's changing attitude towards his son's pursuits, the town's acknowledgment of the boys' accomplishments, and the decisions the boys make about their futures. This phase sees the resolution of conflicts and the wrapping up of the storylines as the narrative moves towards its conclusion.

Denouement

Chapters 25-26 best show the denouement of the story

Sonny Hickam, completes his journey of overcoming obstacles to pursue his passion for rocketry. He navigates through personal and familial challenges, eventually achieving success in the form of a scholarship to college. These chapters tie up loose ends, providing a sense of closure and resolution to the narrative.