Book Review - THE ART OF KEEPING COOL by Janet Taylor Lisle

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lisle, Janet Taylor. 2000. THE ART OF KEEPING COOL. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689837887


2. PLOT SUMMARY
Set during World War II, THE ART OF KEEPING COOL chronicles the life of a boy, Robert, learning to cope with an ever-changing life: his father is flying for the war, his mother has moved the family to his grandparents house - new school, new family, new town, and new challenges.

During his stay with his new-found family, Robert and his cousin, Elliot, befriend a German immigrant, Abel Hoffman. After an attack near them, the boys live in an environment fraught with fear and tension. This leads to the town's suspicions regarding Abel's intentions. During this time, Robert also discovers the reason his family does not discuss his father.

What happens next leads the reader to discover who the real enemy is: ourselves.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The actual art of keeping cool is not nearly as glamorous as the title suggests. Rather, it is the art of keeping one's wits around an abusive grandfather, as well as living in a taut, war-wounded world.

There are many layers to this story. I found that I could only read this book in short bursts. I was bothered by the town's treatment of Abel and the discrimination present. Weren't we in Germany fighting those who were dispensing the same injustice? I was also amazed at the depiction of the grandfather. I often wonder how people like this are allowed to get away with their selfish actions. Unfortunately, I was also faced with the realization that many who read this either know of or are themselves in an abusive family relationship.

The tone and tension of this book will ring just as true today as it would have 50 years ago. We, too, are engaged in a war overseas. Many of the children in my school have parents and relatives who are serving their country. The apprehension of Robert regarding his father's safety will hit home hard.

Unfortunately, the other theme of an abusive grandfather/father will also strike a nerve.

Children grow up fast in this world. Childhood doesn't last nearly as long as we would like it to. Naturally, then, children like to read books that they can identify with. THE ART OF KEEPING COOL is one of those books.

Tunnel and Jacobs' criterea for historical fiction has been met.

1. There is no sugar-coating in this book. The details of the atmosphere and fear surrounding WW2 and abuse are quite vivid, as well as the stigma of being a German living in America.

2. In the same vein, historical accuracy regarding events, places and facts is accurate with descriptions of the cities involved, the life of those involved in the war, and the life of those back home..

3. The physical environment, patterns of daily living and spirit of the times lives through the music as well as the decription of the living conditions of those who are abused, as well as life lived in wartime.

4. The story is told through the eyes of our young protagonist, Robert.

5. The writing style avoids giving too much attention to historical detail, concentrating more on the storylines involving Robert, Elliot, and Abel.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
* Starred review from SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "This is a heartfelt story about family dynamics and the harmful power of prejudice and hatred."

* Starred review from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: "This wrenching WWII novel traces the relationship between two 13-year-old American boys and a German-born Expressionist painter reputed to be a spy. The intimate first-person narrative brings universal themes of prejudice and loss to a personal level."

5. CONNECTIONS
*To further understand how Abel Hoffman was treated by the Americans (and how the Jews were treated by the Germans), try this activity: Divide the class at random. Give 1/2 of the students blue handkerchiefs to put around their necks and have the other 1/2 do the same with red handkerchiefs. Tell the students with the blue handkerchiefs that they are smarter, better readers and better looking. Discuss how this is unfair. Compare/contrast with Hitler's sorting method as well as the unfairness of labeling Abel Hoffman.

*Use maps to point out the places identified in the book. Find where the secret painting place of Elliot and Abel might be. Calculate the distance between England and the USA. Calculate the distance between France and the English Channel.