The Chocolate War

Cromier, Robert. 1974. THE CHOCOLATE WAR. New York: Random House Children’s Books. ISBN: 9780440944591

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Jerry Renault is experiencing initiation into a high school secret society the hard way. Initially being forced to forego the sale of chocolate that benefits the school, he continues his refusal far beyond what The Vigils expect or want. In ‘The Chocolate War’ by Robert Cromier, Jerry experiences bullying and conspiracy at a private school first hand. “In doing so, he invokes the rage of corrupt and bullying authority, challenges the ruthless school gang, and pays a terrible price for his nonconformity” (Ralston). 

While Jerry Renault is the victim of bullying, the bully himself Costello is under the realms of Brother Leon. Brother Leon incorporates Costello to bring his gang to support the school wide fundraiser. Even when Costello is questioned by his fellow members of the Vigil, he still attempts to follow the wants Brother Leon has for Trinity. Costello silently questions helping Brother Leon who he finds disturbing if not annoying at times. However, like the other characters in the book, and the rest of the student body, he keeps his thoughts inside rather than create action against their true wants. 

‘The Chocolate War’ is a page turner, even with a darker tone, in which you never know what to expect from the school administration, teachers, or other students. “You really didn’t use your best judgment tonight Archie. But I realize you did it for the school. For Trinity” (page 261).Cromier uses his writing to show the effects of politics and approval within the private sector of schools. Readers may want to have a happy ending where good versus evil is overcome; however Cromier does not fall into mistaking real life situations better than they are through literature. “The Chocolate War” is a classic young adult novel that will get all readers to continue reading to see who may be the next victim.

Awards:

ALA's Best Books for Young Adults, 1974

Resource List:

Ralston, Jennifer. 2005. School Library Journal 51(May) no. 5 p:51, Database available online at: http://ezproxy.twu.edu. Accessed September 19, 2011.

Godless

Hautman, Pete. 2004. GODLESS. New York: Simon & Schuster Books. ISBN 1416908161

“Being Catholic is hard. Being ex-Catholic is even harder.” Jason Bock states as he attempts to question the faith he has known all of his life. In Pete Hautman’s Godless, Jason creates a new identity for himself and his beliefs about religion. Jason, in what could also be perceived as a cult, creates a new god, the town’s water tower.

Growing up, Jason identified himself as an agnostic, and a possible atheist to his parent’s dismay. Even though he still participated in weekly meetings at the local Catholic church, Jason constantly questioned the teacher, also known as the brainwasher, which often made for uncomfortable circumstances in the meetings. Eventually, Jason seeks his own identity and continues on the journey to find himself. 

“Given the hot-button topic of religion, will Godless attract the attention of censors?  While Hautman’s book doesn't promote a particular religious point of view, he says it does raise questions, which he hopes will encourage a dialogue about faith.”(Ishizuka, 2005). A book that opens up opinions on why some hold the beliefs they do will sure turn the heads of young adults who are in search of what they believe. This book can be used as a resource or an out to those young adults who are often dealing with rebellion from what their parents believe is the right way. Godless is recommended for rebellious teenagers seeking their own identity from their parents and in search of creating their own way of life.

Awards:

National Book Award, 2005

Reference List: 

Ishizuka, Kathy. 2005. ‘Godless’ Wins National Book Award. School Library Journal 51 (January), no. 1: p:20-21, Ebscohost. Database online available at: http://ezproxy.twu.edu. Accessed September 17, 2011.

Speak

Anderson, Laurie Hales. 1999. SPEAK. New York: Penguin Group. ISBN: 9780141310886

Speak by Laurie Hales Anderson tells a story of a young woman going through the pains of sexual abuse by a classmate at such a young age. The story is told through Melinda Sordino’s thoughts on dealing with being an outcast in an entire school where only one person knows the real truth. The truth is Melinda was raped at the end of summer party. The truth is that she called the cops. The truth is that she ran before the cops show up, getting everyone else in trouble. This event left Melinda speechless for almost an entire school year. Melinda deals with the humiliation of former friends questioning her beliefs. 

Melinda embarks on a journey of finding herself and her true friends. She embarks on a journey of freedom from pain and the ability to move on as a normal teenager. She begins her healing process in the bathroom stall, “I start another subject thread on the wall: Guys to Stay Away From. The first entry is the Beast himself: Andy Evans” (page 175).

This Michael L. Printz award winning story “presents a realistic picture of an American High School life and it concomitant social pressure.”(Carger, 2007). Melinda is a believable character that can relate to any child who has or is going through a very difficult situation.

Reference List: 
Carger, Chris Liska. 2007. Crossing Borders, Finding Families. Book Links(January) p.36-38. Ebscohost. Database online available at: http://ezproxy.twu.edu. Accessed September 16 2011.