Bibliographic Information: Cormier, R. (1974). The Chocolate War. New York, N.Y.: Random House, Inc. ISBN: 0440944597
Plot Summary: The Chocolate War is set in a fictional Catholic high school, Trinity High School. Jerry Renault, the protagonist of the novel, is a quiet and contemplative freshman at Trinity. Jerry tends to ponder life and questions things. Part of a poem taken from T.S. Eliot is posted in his locker: "Do I dare disturb the Universe?" He lives with his father because his mother died and he thinks about her often. Even though he is skinny and not that athletic, Jerry tries out for the football team and makes it.
There is a secret group at Trinity High School named "The Vigil." The leader of the Vigil, Archie Costello, is very cunning and manipulative. The Vigils control the students at Trinity by calling certain students in to meet with the group and they give these selected students "assignments." Most of the assignments are cruel. Jerry gets called in to meet with the Vigils and his assignment is to boycott the selling of the school's chocolate sale for ten days. Brother Leon, the acting headmaster, is in charge of the chocolate sale but this particular year he doubles the amount of chocolates and the price per box that each student must sell. He enlists the help of the Vigils. When Jerry's ten days of boycotting selling the chocolates are up he is expected to start selling them but continues to say no. Jerry withstands two brutal attacks but continues to uphold his beliefs.
Critical Evaluation: The Chocolate War is a very intense and moving novel. It has been challenged repeatedly, yet at the same time it's been recommended over and over as a must read for young adults. Because of Jerry's determination and perseverance in sticking to his word and his willingness to literally get his ass kicked, it makes a very powerful novel.
Reader's Annotation: The Chocolate War is a coming-of-age story about a boy who resists peer pressure and pays the price of not following along.
About the Author: Robert Cormier was an American writer best known for his cynical young adult novels including: I Am the Cheese, After the First Death, We All Fall Down and The Chocolate War. Robert was born in Leominster, Massachusetts, and he went to a private Catholic School. In the first grade he began writing stories and poetry. He went to Fitchburg State College and his first short story was published at this time.
Cormier became an award winning author and he also wrote for his local newspaper, the Fitchburg Sentinel. Most of Cormier's novels involve problems that young people face.
Genre: Coming-of-age Fiction
Curriculum Ties: Literature Study, Secret Societies
Book Talking Ideas: What is it like to be the only person in your school who does not participate in the fund-raiser? What does it feel like to be totally different and despised by everyone at your school?
Reading Level and Interest Age: 13 and older
Challenge Issues: According to the ALA, The Chocolate War was the fourth most challenged book between 1990 and 2000 due to bad language, references to sexuality and secret societies. Compared to what is being published in the last several years for young adults, The Chocolate War seems quite mild.
Reason for Inclusion: The Chocolate War appears on many recommended young adult reading lists because it deals with subjects that concern young adults: Sexuality, feelings of inadequacy, loss of a loved one, standing up for one's beliefs, bullying and fear of violence.
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