The Chocolate War (by Robert Cormier)
common sense media says
A kind of "Dangerous Liaisons" for teenagers.
parents & educators say
- 45% say language is an issue
- 36% say sexual content is an issue
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that The Chocolate War remains one of the best books for teens when it comes to examining moral issues. The intensity of emotion will challenge readers to form opinions and engage. It's brilliantly written and examines some serious moral problems that are very age-appropriate and relevant for teens. This is a book for teens who don't require a happy ending with everything tied up in a neat little package.
Educational value:
This book helps teen readers examine some of life's hardest questions, posing moral issues in a way that are guaranteed to start conversations.
Positive role models:
Is Jerry a hero? A scapegoat? Is his act of defiance negative or positive? The dilemma posed by the actions of the characters have good and poor role models. The Vigils order boys to vandalize a classroom and defy teachers. Abully steals gas, and forces a student to buy cigarettes. Brother Leondeliberately embarrasses students, hits one student with a pointer,ignores violence, and encourages the Vigils.
Violence:
Fight scenes realistically and graphically described.
Sex:
Several frank references to masturbation and to boys' fantasies about girls.
Language:
Conversations between teenage boys contain frequent use of moderate, and occasional extreme, sexual, bathroom, and religiously themed profanity.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Not applicable.
More on The Chocolate War
Review It
Based on 11 parent & educator reviews:
- 45% say language is an issue
- 36% say sexual content is an issue
Most useful reviews by all members
summer.rose101
teen, 18 years old
teen, 18 years old
11th grade review
I'm 16 years old and I had to read it in my 11th grade class. Obviously our class is fine with the use of language and such, but for younger kids from primary to maybe year 9 this is an inappropriate book. It has frequent sexual terms that younger kids certainly wouldn't understand and their parents may not be happy with the language in the book. Though our class enjoyed reading it as it also had positive messages about standing up to bullies and believing in yourself and not letting others push you around.
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jerryoish
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
for any readers
I love it. It is a top-notch book. The tone was dismal, bitter and hopeless at the end. But I'm glad to have read a book such as this and I am going to read Beyond The Chocolate War.
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jharri02
parent of 12 year old
parent of 12 year old
Parents get involved
Parents should read the book first then have discussions about issues - sex, bullying, etc.
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SithLordBeast
teen, 13 years old
teen, 13 years old
stupid. many uses of s--t, b--ch, b---ard, h-ll, d-mn, a--, and Jesus and god. a lot of sexual talk also
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flreview
adult
adult
The chocolate war may not be appropriate for many children. I am 17 years old, and I could handle the book, but many young children who have not been exposed to some of the sexual material and langusge may not feel comfortable.
On the plus side, it is very well written, and does teach to stand up for what you believe in. But mainly, if you're not comfortable with the material then don't read it, it is a choice. If you are a parent with younger kids, then I would advise reading it before your children so that you can decide if it is appropriate for them.
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inspiredby
parent of and 5 , 9 , 11 , 13 , 16 year old
parent of and 5 , 9 , 11 , 13 , 16 year old
For Adults not children
Well written but way too much language. I wouldn't want my children to read this.
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tbajus21
adult
adult
it was sweet
The book was amazing. A teenager doing funny things is awesome and it was the best book i have ever read.
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sabrina1234
parent of 12 year old
parent of 12 year old
i hate it toooo sexual
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kissleb
parent of 15 year old
parent of 15 year old
An 8th grade review
We enjoyed the beginning and middle, but the end was a disappointment. This book should be read in school or at home when discussions can be had and content explained.
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moviegeek
adult
adult
Wow..........
This is one of those books, that after you finish it and set it down, you have to sit awhile and think. It leaves you thinking "Wow...." and really has a good message behind all of the bad stuff that the kids do. One kid stood up to everything and everyone. Because he knew that he was right. This is an incredibly well-written novel and is a must-read for any teenager.
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moviemadness
adult
adult
Classic Tale
Violence, sex, and a manipulative priest makes this more suitable for 14+. Good book. Religious parents should know that religion is protrayed as dangerous.
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brookiepoo
teen, 18 years old
teen, 18 years old
im 12 and was told to read it im only in 6th grade. horable for kids my age. it made no scince to me. if i had to vote it 1 - 100 stars i would vote maybe 2 stars just because the auaother could wright
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cowe192
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Definetely a good book, but not for little kids. Constant swearing, smoking, and bad role models. Resistance towards teachers is NOT a good role model
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beachcollecting
teen, 18 years old
teen, 18 years old
Ugly. Evil.
This book could have been a great message about "changing the universe" challenges, but it becomes too violant. Especially the final fiight! Also, the involement of the teacher goes too far. I read it quickly to get thru it.
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davindie
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Overrated and Badly Written
I had high expectations for this book, none of which were met, and the teen characters were all very two-dimenisional (sp?) and unrealistic, to an extent where I didn't even care what happened to them. Although it started out in a promising way, it quickly went downhill-as in twenty pages later. I would not recommend this to anyone.
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aliensarepretty
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
everything they don't want you to know
So i read this book when i was 11, and let me tell you, I stopped participating in school funraisers. Sorry. Anyway, this book is probably one of the most interesitng and provocotive I've ever read. However, anyone who challenges it is an idiot. It doesn't deserve that.
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