The Art of Keeping Cool

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Lisle, Janet Taylor. 2000. THE ART OF KEEPING COOL. New York: Anthemeum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0689837879

PLOT SUMMARY
After his father leaves to serve as a pilot in World War II, Robert, his mother, and sister move from their farm in Ohio to live near their family in Sachem’s Head, Rhode Island. Robert has never really known this side of his family: his aunt and uncle, his grandmother, his domineering grandfather, and his cousin Elliot. When Robert and Elliot aren’t at school, they spend most of their time either working for their grandparents or exploring the military base and its many intriguing elements. As Robert and Elliot become friends, Elliot shares with Robert his secret talent for drawing. Robert also learns there are many mysteries to uncover about his family and why his father left long ago without looking back. As this family works to make ends meet, each doing their part to support the war effort, they begin to uncover answers to the family’s mysterious past.

Meanwhile, the boys meet a German artist, Abel, and with Robert’s encouragement, Elliot begins to visit him, hoping to learn more about art. However, the circumstances change; ships are being attacked off the Rhode Island coast, Robert rarely hears from his father, and Abel is suspected as being a spy for the German’s. It is no longer safe for Elliot to visit Abel, but he continues to see him, as well as run errands for him and help him out in whatever way he can. As dissention among the community about Abel increases, Robert and Elliot learn of his horrific experience in Germany and what brought him to the United States, confirming to them that he is not a spy. However, the rest of the town believes he is dangerous and eventually causes the artist’s demise.

Life during times of war is very difficult for everyone, and Robert learns how everyone is affected by patriotism, prejudice, and raw emotion during his stay in Sachem’s Head. When his father’s service is completed, Robert’s family, along with Elliot, eventually moves back home, allowing Elliot to escape his grandfather’s disapproval and pursue his ambition to be an artist.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Lisle has constructed a GREAT story, giving young adult readers a glimpse at the life of a typical family during World War II. Her characters are well developed and relatable to readers. Throughout the story, they endure similar hardships and feelings of anger, disappointment, and worry as people today. There is a nice balance between factual information of the time and fiction. However, students with limited background knowledge of this era might find parts of the story more difficult to visualize or understand. Although each story line is intriguing, they rarely intertwine, making the story seem slightly less fluid.

Readers, particularly those interested in wars or this era in history, will enjoy this book, as well as gain some knowledge about the struggles felt during a time of war. Other readers will take an interest in Robert’s relationships with his grandfather, mother, sister, and cousin and how they are similar to some of their own relationships. This novel encourages its readers to think about issues such as prejudice, sacrifice, and loyalty and how they are prominent in their own lives as they are in Robert and Elliot’s lives. This thoughtful novel will be eye opening to some readers, while offering a variety of perspectives on World War II to others. Lisle’s combination of cliffhangers, intensity, and heartfelt moments make this book an excellent addition to any young adult’s reading repertoire.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction, 2001
American Library Association Notable Children’s Book
BOOKLIST: “Lisle weaves together the thrilling war action and the spy mystery with the battles in Robert's family and Robert's personal struggle with anger, jealousy, guilt, and betrayal.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “a heartfelt story about family dynamics and the harmful power of prejudice and hatred”
PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY: “The intimate first-person narrative brings universal themes of prejudice and loss to a personal level.”

CONNECTIONS
*Read this book aloud or as a class while studying World War II.
*While reading this book, discuss the many ways that people were affected around the world at this time in history. Compare and contrast the different attitudes of the people in America and Germany.
*While reading, discuss how Robert changes from the beginning of the novel to the end. How does he mature? How do his attitudes change, if at all?
*This book mentions some of the ways that the normal family was affected by the war (rations, closing curtains at night, etc.) Discuss these and other ways the typical family helped the war-effort.

*Other historical fiction novels set during World War II

Giff, Patricia Reilly. 1997. LILY’S CROSSING. New York: Delacorte. ISBN 0385321422
* Newberry Honor Book, 1998

Lawrence, Iain. 2004. B IS FOR BUSTER. New York: Delacorte Press. ISBN 0385730861
* Tayshas High School Reading List, Texas Library Association, 2005-2006

Lowry, Lois. 1989. NUMBER THE STARS. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0833552082
* Newberry Medal, 1990
* Texas Bluebonnet Honor Book, 1991