The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier

Title: The Chocolate War

Author: Robert Cormier

Publish Date: 1974

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Pages: 271pp

ISBN: 0394828054

Classification: Fiction

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Age Range: 12 and up

Price: $8.95

Annotation: In a religious, all boys school, Jerry Renault has decided to not sell the chocolates in the school fundraiser. This may not seem like a big deal, but with the secret society The Vigils teaming up with the headmaster and teacher Father Leon, torturing and bullying has become Jerry's life. Jerry must mow face an all in out school war of bullying and power struggles.

Summary: Jerry Renault is a student in an all boys religious school. Every year they have a candy selling fundraiser. This year father Leon has his mind set to break records and push the students to sell more. He secretly meats with the head of the secret society The Vigils and they agree to a secret plan. When Jerry follows his orders not to sell chocolates anger ensues. Assured that The Vigils has an ultimate plan, Father Leon continues to let them partake in bullying and peer pressure. But when the time comes for Jerry to sell the chocolates again, he defiantly refuses, he ends up challenging both Father Leon and the all powerful Vigils. The act turns the school into an power struggle that turns into a bullying war. Is it worth it?

Evaluation: It funny because as a child I never read this book. I actually thought it was a book about diabetes. Although this is a funny memory, when being introduced to this book I had a residue of disinterest. However, let me stand corrected because this book is a classic in young adult literature for a reason. It's stunning and authentic. It paints a picture of the reality of bullying, peer pressure, religious hypocrisy, and rebellion. It's quite good.

Bibliotherapeutic Usefulness: Perspective of bullying and power struggles, abuse of power, religious schooling, religious manipulation, violence, fear, rebellion, standing up to peer pressure

Reason this book was chosen: It's a classic, having been controversial over language and violence (and I am sure having such a hypocritical Father didn't help much-nobody likes commentary on their religion). It was me one of the most important books on this list and although it's dated it's still relevant and entertaining.