The Art of Keeping Cool

The Art of Keeping Cool follows thirteen-year-old Robert during World War II as his family relocates from Ohio to Rhode Island while his father serves in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Robert, his mother, and his sister move in with his paternal grandparents - relatives he has never met before. In his new home, Robert connects with his cousin Elliot and encounters Abel Hoffman, a German artist living in exile near the coast. The presence of military forces in the small Rhode Island town creates tension among locals who fear German spies, while Robert grapples with his family's strange silence about his absent father. Through his friendship with Elliot and Abel, Robert begins to investigate the mysteries surrounding his father's past and his family's complex relationships. His search for answers takes place against the backdrop of wartime America, where suspicion and fear affect daily life. The novel explores themes of family secrets, wartime prejudice, and the challenge of maintaining personal relationships during periods of social upheaval. The story examines how fear can transform communities and the price of keeping difficult truths hidden.

Readers consistently note the book's focus on fear and suspicion during WWII, drawing parallels to modern prejudices. Many found the coming-of-age story relatable and appreciated how it handled complex themes of war, art, and family dynamics. Readers liked: - Historical accuracy and period details - The portrayal of cousin relationships - Integration of art themes with wartime narrative Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the first third - Some found the ending abrupt - Secondary characters needed more development Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (48 ratings) "The tension builds steadily and mirrors today's political climate," noted one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reader wrote, "The cousin dynamic felt authentic but the plot took too long to get moving." The book won the 2001 Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, though some readers mentioned this set expectations too high.

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⭐ The coastal area of Rhode Island featured in the book was actually fortified during WWII with military watchtowers and artillery installations to protect against potential German U-boat attacks. ⭐ Janet Taylor Lisle based parts of the story on her mother's experiences growing up in Rhode Island during WWII, including the intense suspicion toward anyone of German descent. ⭐ The book won the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction in 2001, recognizing its excellence in portraying American historical events for young readers. ⭐ During WWII, over 11,000 German-Americans were detained in internment camps across the USA, a lesser-known aspect of American wartime history that the book touches upon. ⭐ The author grew up near Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, the same region where the story takes place, and spent much of her career writing about New England's history and culture.