Book Review
The Art of Keeping Cool
Read if you're interested in relationships, social justice, or books for child.
Buy on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
6.5
VerdictRead with discernment
Loading your rating…
Book Summary
This middle-grade novel follows Robert Peck as he navigates the complexities of moving to a new town during the Vietnam War era. He befriends a girl named Ellie and together they grapple with prejudice, family secrets, and the social tensions of their community.
What it does well
- — Promotes empathy and understanding towards those who are different or new.
- — Explores themes of friendship and loyalty.
- — Addresses the destructive nature of prejudice and rumor.
Watch for
- — While it touches on moral dilemmas, the narrative does not explicitly present a Christian worldview or offer solutions rooted in faith.
- — Some character actions and motivations are driven by secular morality rather than biblical principles.
- — The book deals with the complexities of war and prejudice, which might require parental guidance for younger or more sensitive readers to process through a faith lens.
Verdict
Christian readers can appreciate the book's themes of empathy, justice, and the challenges of fitting in, which can be discussed and amplified through a biblical lens by parents or educators. It offers opportunities to discuss prejudice and kindness from a Christian perspective, though it does not explicitly offer Christian answers.
ALIGNMYREAD RECOMMENDATION
“Christian readers can appreciate the book's themes of empathy, justice, and the challenges of fitting in, which can be discussed and amplified through a biblical lens by parents or educators. It offers opportunities to discuss prejudice and kindness from a Christian perspective, though it does not explicitly offer Christian answers.”
Biblical alignment
- —Promotes empathy and understanding towards those who are different or new.
- —Explores themes of friendship and loyalty.
- —Addresses the destructive nature of prejudice and rumor.
- —Encourages critical thinking about wartime and societal biases.
- —Highlights the importance of standing up for what is right, even when it's difficult.
Areas of concern
- —While it touches on moral dilemmas, the narrative does not explicitly present a Christian worldview or offer solutions rooted in faith.
- —Some character actions and motivations are driven by secular morality rather than biblical principles.
- —The book deals with the complexities of war and prejudice, which might require parental guidance for younger or more sensitive readers to process through a faith lens.
Written for
Discussion
Reader comments
Sign in to leave a comment.
Loading…