Lisle, Janet Taylor. 2000. The Art of Keeping Cool. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-83787-9
Plot Summary
In The Art of Keeping Cool, Lisle presents World War II through the story of a thirteen-year old American boy. After his father volunteers to fly for the Royal Air Force, Robert's mother moves the family from their Midwestern farm to the town of his paternal grandparents. The community anxiously follows the war both in Europe, and as it touches Maine's shores through submarine action and the implementation of a Naval gun station. Robert must also grapple with the unrest he discovers within his new family. His cousin Elliot's friendship with a displaced German artist forces Robert to confront his family's past, his relationship with Elliot, and his own place in a nation embroiled in conflict.
Critical Analysis
The reactions of Lisle's character, Robert, are age and era appropriate. Along with the very real anxiety of the time, she presents the interest a young boy would feel in the military trappings of the time, especially a boy with a pilot father. His feeling for his father is portrayed with compassion and understanding.
A nation at war is a nation with fear. Lisle conveys the urgency of that feeling through the plot line concerning Able Hoffman. As a German refugee, Abel is viewed with deep suspicion by the townspeople. His tragic end highlights the consequences conflict has on even the innocent, and his experiences lend authenticity to the account. Abel's story will promote the interest of young readers into the conditions of Nazi Germany.
Readers will want to delve into the family's mysteries. Why haven't Robert and his sister ever met his grandparents? Why do Uncle Jake and Aunt Nan submit so completely to Grandpa? Has Robert's mother told his father where they are? The shocking answer reveals just how tangled family relationships can become. Though the time period differs, modern students can relate to the struggles between family members.
Review Excerpts
The New York Times Book Review: "Told from the vantage point of the adult Robert (hence, perhaps, the contemporary-sounding title), this well-written and atmospheric story will evoke strong reactions from its readers."
The Horn Book: "A brilliantly conceived, multi-layered novel explores the tensions within a family against a backdrop of the wider conflicts of World War II. . . . Lisle develops an unforgettable cast of characters placed against a fully realized setting. Engrossing, challenging, and well paced, the novel holds up a mirror to society--for those who dare to look."
Connections
The American Airpower Heritage Museum, located in Midland, Texas, focuses on the vital role aircraft played in World War II. One exhibit gives an excellent look into life on the home front from a young family's perspective. For a virtual tour with a short history and audio clips please visit http://www.airpowermuseum.org/index.php.
Make games, crafts and food from this era:
King, David C. and Cheryl Kirk Noll. World War II Days: Discover the Past with Exciting Projects, Games, Activities, and Recipes. ISBN-13: 978-0471371014
Non-fiction books concerning WWII:
Panchyk, Richard. World War II for Kids: A History with 21 Activities. ISBN-13: 978-1556524554
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