The Chocolate War

Cormier, Robert. The Chocolate War. Knopf, 1974. ISBN-13: 978-0-375-82987-1

Plot
The Vigil a bullying group, rule the school and Archie controls everyone being the "assigner" of the group. In fact, the principal asks for the support of the Vigils to make sure that the upcoming chocolate sale will go well. The Vigils agree, but with a trick up their sleeve. As a joke, Jerry is told by the Vigils to refuse to sell chocolates, but only for a short while then join in the fundraiser. However, Jerry continues to refuse chocolates defying not only the school, but the Vigils as well. Suddenly Jerry finds himself being bullied at every turn and questions if it was worth it, daring to upset the status quo.

Critical Evaluation
This is a very complex dark story with adult themes and questions. The story as well as the characters are well crafted and the reader does not have any clue how this showdown is going to end. While this is a very well written story, it is a challenge to read since there are many adult themes, ideas and complex issues. This book is for more advanced readers who are not afraid of seeing the dark side of life.

Reader's Annotation
The Vigils rule the school, everyone, even the principal knows that. As a pawn in one of their schemes Jerry is told to refuse to sell chocolates, but later give in to the school fundraiser. However, Jerry flat out refuses to sell the chocolates and suddenly finds himself victimized by the school and Vigils.

About the Author
Robert Cormier was born on January 17, 1925 and was the son of French-Canadian immigrants. Previously, he worked as a newspaper reporter for 30 years. He also wrote scripts for a radio station. He wrote his first novel which was published in 1960.

Since then, Cormier's work has been honored and he has received several awards including the Margaret A. Edwards Award. He is also widely considered as a notable contributor to YA fiction. He lived all his life in Massachusetts with his wife and children. He passed away November, 2000.

Genre
Fiction

Curriculum
Bully Fiction
High School Fiction


Book Talking Ideas
Why do you think Jerry refused to sell the chocolate?
Do you think it is better to upset the status quo, even if it means some hard times?
What did you think of the ending of the novel?

Reading Level/Interest Age
12+

Challenge Issues
This book contains strong language, adult themes of a sexual nature, violence and depicts anarchic characters.

Challenge Answer
While this book does contain quite a few questionable material, it does portray the developing stages of adolescence boys which is not always pretty. Also, sometimes life is not always clean or bright. Cormier shows the reality that sometimes life is raw, dark and unfair.

Why Included in Selection
It is an acclaimed book with great themes.