Continuing to look at books that have been banned across the United States, we are looking this time at ‘The Chocolate War’ by Robert Cormier. Published in 1974, this book has been continuously put on the Top Ten Most Banned Books across the country for its themes of violence, sexual ideas held by teenagers, language and criticisms of the Catholic Church.

The book is set in a 70’s Catholic all-boys school and focuses on the main character, Jerry, and his quiet rebellion against a school-wide fundraiser to sell chocolate bars. He faces bullying and violence from the school, particularly from its secret society known as The Vigils.

‘The Chocolate War’ dives into the darker and grimier world of the teenage experience — what it is like to be ostracized from a school just for choosing to be yourself — as well as looking at what conformity can lead to. The school becomes so wrapped up in the fundraiser, that they attack the one child that doesn’t seem to be getting involved, even when others are also not selling candy bars. This story doesn’t end with any resolution to solve things, as it is clear that the same behavior will continue if those in charge approve of it for their own ambitions.

It is important for children to learn the consequences of staying with the status quo, and not being willing to fight for things that matter to them. Jerry’s is a cautionary tale, showing that just one voice can be silenced if others aren’t willing to speak up with them, and instead just watch injustice silently. His best friend also decides to stop selling chocolate bars alongside him, but because he doesn’t speak up, no one knows, and other students begin selling them in his name so that it looks like Jerry is all alone.

 This is the kind of book that should promote controversy, because it should get people — especially young people — to want to fight against unjust systems. An entire school rallies behind ruining someone’s life because they do not engage in school spirit justifying this as normal and expected, and that is the kind of mindset that children should be taught to challenge in all stages of their lives. Individuality is something to be embraced.

The author, Cormier, was a journalist and novelist who focused on darker themes and stories that don’t have happy endings, believing that they were important to share to his readers. Sometimes it is worth focusing on the darker parts of stories, to give you the drive to fight for the happy ending in real life.