THE CHOCOLATE WAR by Robert Cormier

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Cormier, Robert. The Chocolate War. New York, NY: Dell Laurel-Leaf, 2000. ISBN
0440944597

PLOT SUMMARY

Jerry Renault is a freshman at an all boys Catholic high school. He dreams of playing football, making friends and fitting in, just as all freshmen boys do. When he makes the team it seems as if he is on his way to achieving his goals and making his dreams a reality. But nothing in high school is that easy, especially when the school is controlled by a bullying gang and overseen by dishonorable instructors.

When the school is in need of extra finances, a routine chocolate fundraiser turns into a moral struggle between Jerry and the rest of the school. In the end the struggle becomes more than moral and may actually cost Jerry his life. Can a high school freshman make a difference or is the cost too high to pay?

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Robert Cormier's classic book originally written over 30 years ago has a timeless appeal through the use of theme's and experiences to which many high school students past and present can relate. Peer pressure exists at many levels and takes many forms leaving no one untouched by it's effects. Young Adult audiences can relate to the feelings of the main character as he tries to take a stand, not sure of why yet compelled to do so. Jerry's experiences have a commonality felt by many, yet the severity of the outcome may be more extreme.

The Chocolate War has been surrounded by controversy from the beginning. The original publisher's decision to publish the novel as a Young Adult book rather than an adult fiction title was simply the beginning. While many readers feel the book is negative, violent and very one sided, many times this is how life feels to high school students. Teens can relate to the themes and pressures placed upon them by peers and those in positions of authority. Yet, reader's of all ages continue to read Robert Cormier's offering and find a commonality with the book even after more than three decades.

REVIEW EXCERPTS

Booklist (September 1, 1997) "Bullying is at the center of this grim YA classic about a teenager who tries to stand up to the corrupt school authorities and the ruthless school gang."

Horn Book Guide (March 1, 1998) "The masterful account of freshman Jerry Renault's own lonely battle against the ruling powers of his school is as provocative and disturbing today as it was to readers over twenty years ago."