They grumble about the changes, but carry on with the fundraiser, as they always do.Įverything changes, however, Jerry Renault, an incoming freshman, sets off a war among the students when he refuses to participate in the sale. The boys are used to this activity, but at the opening of the novel, they are surprised to learn that this year, they are expected to sell twice the usual amount of candy at double the price. Each year, the students at this Catholic school for boys sell boxes of chocolates to raise money. The Chocolate War is about a handful of students attending Trinity High School in the 1970s. Anything that has so many adults wringing their hands must be pretty good, right? I was intrigued with all of the caution surrounding it. Reasons to keep it out of the hands of young readers.Īccordingly, each time the this title came up, I'd make a mental note to read it sometime soon. Point to its profanity, sexual references, violence, and bleak ending as Is one of the most challenged young adult books to this day. Quite a history of being banned from school libraries altogether.

The Chocolate War is my county's chosen example of a book that needs a permission slip from home to be read.Īside from being considered controversial in my school district, it has I picked this one because it's always the example that is touted out in front of teachers when the discussion of using 'controversial materials' in the classroom comes up. The first book I chose to read for my month of reading banned books was Robert Cormier's The Chocolate War. *Please note - This review contains spoilers*

The chocolate war by robert cormier