THE CHOCOLATE WAR

Hi Welcome back,

I have just finished reading a wonderful book for teens called The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier. The book is gritty and honest, and easy to visualize each character. Not a new teen novel, but one I would classify as a classic, written in 1974.

THE CHOCOLATE WAR BY ROBERT CORMIER

 
                            


  

     

ROBERT CORMIER 1925-2000

 

 Robert Cormier was an American author, and a journalist for thirty years working as a newspaper reporter and columnist. He has written many books for teens. I will post a list of titles at the bottom of the page.

The Chocolate War review:

Jerry Renault, a freshman was doing his best to cope, dealing with the death of his mother, and his absentee father, who lived in a constant daze. 

Jerry attended Trinity High School in New England; a boy’s private Catholic school ran by the brothers.

Brother Leon was the head teacher, a cruel and vindictive man, who didn’t spare feelings, or embarrassment. He ruled his class with an iron fist, never offering any leeway or exemptions. He was, however, aware of the school's secret society, the Vigils, who no one dared to challenge, not even him. 

Archie Costello was the clever mastermind behind the Vigils, a born leader, who managed to keep his hands clean while others did his dirty work. Nobody challenged his authority, or at least not to his face. His word gospel, nobody dared to question.

Every year a select group of boys was chosen by the Vigils to carry out an assignment; one cleverly contrived by Archie. They were sworn to secrecy, neither their names nor their assignment discussed.

The school was preparing for the annual chocolate sale, only this year; students expected to sell double the quota of last year and for double the price. It was not an option, but expected that every student partake and help raise funds for the school.

Each day at roll call, the students were asked if they’d come and collect their chocolates. Nobody refused, except Jerry. The beginning was to fulfill his assignment; seen as the school hero, by even the seniors who never dared to go against Brother Leon.

After the tenth day, his assignment was complete, but Jerry still refused to collect or sell the chocolates, challenging both Brother Leon and the authority of the Vigils. He wanted to make his own decisions, not have anybody dictate what he should do or have control over him.

Archie’s authority had come into question by the Vigils. For the first time ever, one of the assignments not being carried out like planned. Archie had to regain his control, and would do whatever it took to regain his position of power and authority.

The plans changed; Archie made the chocolate sale the most important thing of all, encouraging every student to meet their quota. The heat was on still Jerry refused. Only days ago he was considered a super hero in the school, now flipped, marking him as the most hated kid. Archie was determined to make Jerry cave and conform, exactly like the others at the school.

The more Jerry’s challenged the stronger he opposed to selling chocolate, his life at school became a misery. He is now the target, bullied and in the end pushed into a battle, he had little chance of winning.

Archie had to prove to all that the Vigils rule the school, and for those even thinking of rebelling, will suffer the consequences, using Jerry as a model example to all.

 

The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier is a book that will stick with you long after completing the story. The story clearly shows the power of control, manipulation and bullying, using language and sexuality with an honesty and realism.

Robert Cormier understood the mindset of teens, which clearly stands out in his portrayal of characters, their strengths and weaknesses.

Due to some of the subject matter and use of language, the book has received its share of controversy since its first publication in 1974. Since then The Chocolate War has been challenged in many American Schools and libraries.

In my opinion, this is sad, especially when an author has written a book that appeal to teenage boys, many of whom are not readers. Isn’t it our job as parents and educators to encourage our kids to read?

I would highly recommend The Chocolate War to teens, ages 14+. 

Titles by Robert Cormier: 

Fade

After the First Death

We all Fall Down

Tunes for Bears to Dance To

I am the Cheese 

Happy reading,
Bye Rosalyne