Heart of Cool ANNOTATION
When Bobby moves to a new school, he tries to be the ultimate in cool by imitating Harry Haller, the coolest kid of all.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
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?
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature
In an easy-to-read format, this book dares to ask the question, what is "cool"? When Bobby North starts a new school, he quickly learns that the things he enjoys are not considered cool by his peers. To make friends, Bobby models himself after Harry, the coolest boy in school, and adopts the exterior of coolness, that is, the right kind of clothes and hobbies. But then he comes to realizes that coolness is interior, it's a feeling of self-confidence and a disdain for peer pressure. The other kids at the school, though, who focus only on appearance, question his character and challenge him to a skateboarding contest. Bobby accepts the challenge out of interest in the sport, not desire for recognition. His composure during this final challenge and his disregard for others' approval sets him above his schoolmates and he gains a new understanding of how even being "uncool" at times serves a function. Bobby's growth as an individual provides a worthy role model for readers. In dealing with issues such as fitting in and peer pressure, this story will appeal to young readers who suffer from the same problems. The book's short chapters, big print, fast pacing and animal characters also add interest. 2001, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $15.00. Ages 7 to 9. Reviewer:Michele Gable
School Library Journal
Gr 2-3-An amusing addition to beginning-reader collections. Bobby North, a polar bear, makes friends with Siggy, Derek, Harry, and other animal students in his new school. When he realizes that Harry is the coolest kid there, he wants to be more like him. However, as kids will discover, his desire to fit in can take its toll on even the most determined. Bobby has a lot of catching up to do to reach Harry's state of "coolness" so he takes up skateboarding, the harmonica, and soccer. And, most importantly, he reads "cool books." Some of his friends question his coolness and he's invited to Harry's party to prove himself. Bobby tries to display his skateboarding talents but crashes. Back at school, the kids tease him but Harry remains his friend at the end. The text is accompanied by pictures of humorous, lovable characters in pleasing colors. Chapters range from three to four pages in large, well-spaced print. This book should warm the hearts of cool young readers.-Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Fitting in at a new school is never effortless, even in an elementary classroom populated with Boynton's droll animal characters (adored by legions of preschoolers and their parents in her many bestselling board books). The new kid in school in this upper-level easy reader is a polar bear by the name of Bobby North. He's the shortest (and most unsure) animal in his class, and he quickly finds out the social rules at his new school: skateboards are a necessity, and a big moose named Harry Haller is the Emperor of Cool. Bobby earnestly works at being cool until one day he achieves a sort of frozen nirvana (and a corresponding epiphany of inner confidence), earning him Harry's friendship and a place in his rock group. Bobby's social status climbs until the day he executes a bold flying move off the skateboard ramp at a class party at Harry's house. Deftly illustrating the maxim that "whatever goes up must come down," Bobby soars unbelievably high on his board, but then crashes into a hedge, and his popularity crashes as well. The other animals are ready to make Bobby an outsider again, but Harry remains Bobby's friend in a subtle, satisfying conclusion. McEwan's catchy text is full of "cool" skateboarding terms and actions that will appeal to boys in the younger grades, but there's more to this warm-hearted story than just skateboarding moves. The ephemeral nature of popularity and the inherent social strength of those who feel their "inner cool" are unusual sub-themes for an easy reader, but these are lessons we all must learn, usually in ways that are anything but easy. (Easy reader. 6-8)
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