The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
Last night, I finished The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier–one of the books I’m reading for Banned Books Week.
It took me a while to figure out why people might not like this book. I’ve decided part of the anxiety may stem from the possibility that high school is very different these days than what it was for the parents of the students who object to this book. The plot involves a freshman refusing to sell chocolates in the annual school fundraiser–rebellion that goes against the gang controlling the school. (It’s not the kind of violent gang that is commonly stereotyped in the media.) As the plot develops, I was wondering if the rebellion itself was making people nervous. A theme that emerges is nonconformity can lead to some pretty awful consequences.
It’s often cited for offensive language, religious viewpoint, sexual content, violence, and being unsuited to the age group. There are a few foul words in the book, but it’s probably nothing worse than what’s on television or the radio these days. There’s only a little bit of sexual content and it’s very mild–guys admiring the female body, mostly. The story takes place at a Catholic high school. I’m not sure at what age or grade students read this book. I think I remember seeing it in my high school libraries, but I can’t remember if any teachers assigned it. I didn’t have to read it in school. The ending is indeed quite violent. It also doesn’t present a complete resolution, so readers are left wondering what happens as a result of the violence. Also, the perpetrators seem to receive only a verbal scolding for their actions–one of the school leaders appears to support their actions against the rebellious student.
