The Chocolate War

Cormier, R. (1974). The chocolate war. New York, NY: Delacorte Press. Jerry Renault has been challenged by the Vigils, the gang that runs his school, to refuse to sell chocolates in the annual fund drive. At first, he goes along with his "assignment." However, Jerry ultimately decides he must, in the words of T. S. Elliot, "disturb the universe." His decision to go against the Vigils might just cost him dearly, maybe even cost him his life. Jerry must ultimately decide if he can take a stand against the system and the people who run the school. Is it worth the cost? Eventually, Jerry finds himself in the boxing ring with one of his nemeses. He is defeated physically. But will he still dare to eat a peach and disturb the universe? I am always shocked at how vicious some of the characters are in the book. Perhaps the most disturbing to me is Brother Leon, the sadistic teacher who taunts his students to get them to bend to his will. This book is a perfect example of what Kohlberg discusses in terms of moral development. At first, Jerry is willing to follow the rules to avoid punishment (preconventional). Later, Jerry simply follows the rules of his school and his religion when he decides not to sell the chocolates (conventional). Ultimately, though, Jerry risks his own life to stand up for what he knows to be right (post conventional). Students who are still operating at a preconventional or conventional level might not be able to recognize and understand the reasons for Jerry's actions. There are other Cormier novels which hit be recommended as a follow up including a "sequel" of sorts called Beyond he Chocolate War. Other authors such as Chris Crutcher, Chris Lynch, and John Green would also be good to suggest.