 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Chocolate War
- By Robert Cormier
- Genre: Literary Fiction
Common Sense Media says
A kind of "Dangerous Liaisons" for teenagers.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
What's the story?
When high school teen Jerry Renault refuses to sell chocolate during his school fundraiser, his decision kicks off a stream of events that cause the school to unravel. Is he a hero or a scapegoat? The school divides on the subject. The book has some terrifying characters including a vicious student and the corrupt temporary headmaster who controls the school, targeting freshman Jerry Renault when he quietly resists them. With the whole school against him, Jerry stands alone. The book raises deep questions of good, evil, independence, and compliance. All serious grist for a developing teen's mill. This dark, disturbing novel towers as one of the true classics of Young Adult Literature.
Is it any good?
This book, deals with life's cruelty, and deals with complex issues with intensity. Evil in all its ugliness pervades the story, which Robert Cormier sets in a private Catholic school, presenting evil as something that can invade even our own protected lives.
Only a few villains cause all the mayhem, and the book exposes them early. However, Cormier won't spare us from life's nasty truths. Readers might wonder, "Would any of us have done better, or would we make the same easy compromises as Cormier's characters?" For that reason, this book remains relevant: It forces readers to face the reality of evil, and examine how to confront it.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the significance of the quote on a poster in Jerry's locker -- "Dare I disturb the universe?" -- and how it relates to the book as a whole.
What take-away do your teens have about whether Jerry's actions are positive or negative?
If you wantedto "disturb the universe" in your own way, how would you do it?
Who arethe most powerful characters in Cormier's book?
What does that sayabout the very nature of power itself?
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AGE
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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AGE
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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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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AGE
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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Parents get involved
Parents should read the book first then have discussions about issues - sex, bullying, etc.
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AGE
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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AGE
For Adults not children
Well written but way too much language. I wouldn't want my children to read this.
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| Author: | Robert Cormier |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Literary Fiction |
| Publication date: | January 1, 1974 |
| Number of pages: | 272 |
| Paperback price: | $5.50 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 14 |
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