The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier
Jerry is a freshman at an all-boy prep school, Trinity. Archie, the leader of the school gang, the Vigils, tells Jerry to boycott selling chocolate for the school fundraiser for 10 days. Jerry decides to continue his boycott in retaliation against the Vigils, and begins to inspire other students to do the same. The Vigils start harassing Jerry, calling his house and beating him up after football practice. Archie even sets up a boxing match between Jerry and the violent school thug, Emile Janza. Jerry tries to win the fight, but ultimately fails and has to be taken to the hospital by ambulance. At the end of the novel, Archie is not punished for his actions, and Jerry decides it is best not to disturb the universe by testing authority, because it is not worth it. This novel is realistic fiction and can be used for discussing bullying and peer pressure in school. Best for grades 9 and up.
Cormier, R. (1974). The chocolate war: A novel. New York: Delacorte.
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