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by: Robert Cormier  List Price: $16.95 Amazon.com's Price: $11.53 You Save: $5.42 (32%)Prices subject to change. Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Binding: HardcoverEAN: 9780394828053 ISBN: 0394828054 Label: Knopf Books for Young Readers Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 264 Publication Date: March 12, 1974 Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers Reading Level: Young Adult Release Date: March 12, 1974 Studio: Knopf Books for Young Readers Related Items: Alternate Versions: Click to Display Browse for similar items by category: Click to Display Editorial Review: Amazon.com Review: Does Jerry Renault dare to disturb the universe? You wouldn't think that his refusal to sell chocolates during his school's fundraiser would create such a stir, but it does; it's as if the whole school comes apart at the seams. To some, Jerry is a hero, but to others, he becomes a scapegoat--a target for their pent-up hatred. And Jerry? He's just trying to stand up for what he believes, but perhaps there is no way for him to escape becoming a pawn in this game of control; students are pitted against other students, fighting for honor--or are they fighting for their lives? In 1974, author Robert Cormier dared to disturb our universe when this book was first published. And now, with a new introduction by the celebrated author, The Chocolate War stands ready to shock a new group of teen readers. Product Description: Reissued now in hardcover with a new introduction by the author, Cormier's chilling look at the insidious world of gang intimidation and the abuse of power in a boys' boarding school is no less relevant today than it was in 1974. Average Rating:
 Rating:  - "Do I dare disturb the universe?"Jerry Renault is just your typical fourteen-year-old freshman (and football player) at a private Catholic high school minding his own business when, one day, a gang of student thugs called The Vigils task him with refusing to sell chocolates for the annual fundraiser. Brother Leon, a no-nonsense, obnoxious teacher doubles the usual candy order, then requires that the students take on the task of selling them (50 boxes each) willingly by requiring them to "accept" the chocolates during a daily roll ... Read More Rating:  - Fighting the good fightHyperboles, symbolism, style, point of view, etc. Many young people do not care...but after 8 years teaching 8th grade, as well as reading the book myself for the first time in 1989, the same age as my current students, the book changed me. Not back then, I merely worshipped the words, that gorgeous writing style characteristic of Cormier, blending splendid imagery, realistic, simple language, and vibrant sensory detail with a dark tone of corrupt despairity that leaves the reader to question ... Read More Rating: - Catcher in the Rye meets the Lords of Discipline - Great Audio VersionRobert Cormier's cynical, sardonic, nihilistic language in the Chocolate War evokes Catcher in Rye. The story itself shares many of the same tensions and violence of Pat Conroy's Lords of Discipline. This is beyond a young reader's book. It has an edgy tension that will captivate all generations. Jerry Renault is a fine protagonist, somehow winning in spirit, even in despair. Archie Costello is an equally compelling villain - somehow apathetic and resigned, even in victory. I listened ... Read More Rating: - Chocolate WarThe book arrived in good time and was in good condition. I liked the book but the only reason I read it was to see why it is protested every school year by over sensitive parents. It is a book that even now can relate to pre-teen/teen boys. Rating:  - principle before actionSupposedly, this is a young adult classic, but honestly, I'm not sure why. It's just not very good. Sure, it's controversial (the characters swear and think about masturbation a lot), but that's not a good enough reason for it to keep being assigned in schools. Also, I think the thing that should make the book controversial is its portrayal of gross cruelty by students and certain teachers. Not that I'm worried that kids will suddenly become cruel just by reading this book (those who are going ... Read More 
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