The Heart Of Cool (Ready-to-Read. Level 3)

When Bobby North comes to his new school, he discovers that some of his favorite things are not cool. What is cool is Harry Haller, a big moose of a guy who's friendly, easygoing, and a great skateboarder. So Bobby sets out to become as cool as Harry. And then Bobby goes even further, to find for himself the very heart of cool. But can he find it again when he really needs it?

After reaching the epitome of cool, Bobby discovers he no longer has to try being cool: "He already was cool. He'd been there. Right at the heart of it". Bobby seems to have discovered the zen of cool-- being cool is about authenticity and not playing to the crowd. But this moral conviction falters as author McEwan tries to have it both ways: At the contest for coolest skateboarder, Bobby both tries being cool and disdains it. Harry's sage advice that boundaries are sometimes needed tempers Bobby's free-wheeling but potentially dangerous freedom. (In a way, there's a mixed message, being cool means doing your own thing, but within limits imposed by a role model). Ultimately, the sage Harry whispers an understanding message about skateboarding and the art of achieving inner cool: "Many catch air. Only a few take flight."

Perhaps this review finds too much of a message in the book. At the level with which most kids will read it, "The Heart of Cool" uses authentic language(e.g."Okay, big man, your turn! Show us how Mr. Totally Cool does it."). There's a believable spectrum of characters, and Sandra Boynton's ever magical mix of soft line, beautiful, unusual coloration, and nuanced portrayal of emotion. 48 pages, buoyed by Boynton's graceful illustrations and a "message" that may, at least in part, alleviate some of the dangers of peer pressure.


The answer to "What is cool?"   February 16, 2002
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

This is nearly a perfect book. I have nothing negative to say about it, so perhaps that means it IS a perfect book. It communicates coolness to the 3rd/4th grade set smashingly.

Bobby North starts at a new school and finds the things that were cool at his old school aren't cool in his new environment. So he immitates the coolest kid, skatboarding moose Harry Haller(at first very badly). With practice he gets better and wins the appelation "cool." He becomes SO cool he chills completely.

Then his coolness is challenged (by warthog Siggy Sidewinder). (Usually the story ends here with the challenged winning out...) And he's so intent on feeling the coolness of his air-grabbing stunt that he plants his face in the shrubs.

When Siggy laughs at him the next day at school Bobby & Harry have a little discussion about what coolness is.

Sandra Boynton's cooly colored cartoon illustrations are just exactly right: cute without being cutesy. An excellent gift for young skateboard enthusiasts who may or may not love to read. OR an excellent gift for that teenager who is searching for cool.

Happy Reading!


A break from the typical moralizing...   January 29, 2002
 6 out of 6 found this review helpful

Looking at the subject matter of this book, I figured it'd be the same ol', same ol'--don't try to be "cool", just accept who you are and learn to like yourself. The Heart Of Cool isn't so nearly so dull as that! Bobby starts off simply imitating his cool idol, Harry, but then truly transforms into someone so cool he's nice and chilled. Bobby eventually finds he doesn't need to show off to prove anything to the other kids--he knows he's cool. This is what kid's books should be: fun!


Warning: This book is hard to hold onto...   August 7, 2001
 5 out of 5 found this review helpful

I haven't been able to keep a copy of this book on hand because I keep finding people to give it away to. People that I think might love it as much as I did! So far it's been a complete hit. This book is fun, humorous, clever, wise and just the right touch of fulfilling for anyone that has ever wondered if they should fit in. Wonder no more... just hurry and order this slendidly illustrated book. Young, old and all the stages between will love reading this book. Just be sure to buy an extra one, so that you can keep one on hand.