This month we read The Art of Keeping Cool by Janet Taylor Lisle. This book received the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction in 2001. We had a yummy lunch at the Beehive Tea Room at 12 W Broadway.
Karen says: This YA historical fiction is set in the US during WWII. It follows the story of 2 cousins as they become friends, and learn more about themselves. One boy's father is serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and the other boy is a budding artist, and more of a loner. There never seems to be a resolution for two of the charaters, that I had hoped would happen - but such is life. This is a quick read, just one plane flight to California to read it cover to cover.
Sue says: This novel has many themes in it and made for wonderful reading. It's about two cousins in a coastal town during WWII who deal with bigotry and persecution, a tyrannical grandfather, a secretive family , an absent pilot father and uncle who's volunteered to fly with the Royal Canadian Air Force, painting and talent, life on the homefront, and one cousin who is very sensitive to others. The author weaves all these themes into an entertaining story that is also instructive and thought-provoking. I give it 4 1/2 stars-very good.
Alison says: This tender coming-of-age story reminded me of Avi's Don't You Know There's a War On as well as, in a small way, of Al Capone Does My Shirts. Some very heavy issues are addressed - but in such a manner that, I think, kids can take from it whatever they are ready to take, without being overwhelmed by the rest.
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