Beyond the Chocolate War

Beyond the Chocolate War

Robert Cormier

ISBN: 0-440-90580-X

Dell-Laurel Leaf 1985

Plot Summary: The end of the school year is almost here and Jerry is returning to Trinity High School after healing from Archie's attack. At this stage in the year, Obie and Carter members of the Vigils hope to remove Archie from his seat in power before they leave the Vigils. Obie loves Laurie and feels Archie has damaged his relationship with her.

Unfortunately the bullying does not improve once Archie is removed from power. Emile Janza is just as bad but uses different techniques. He plans to sell drugs through the school, and use psychological control in lieu of physical bullying.

Meanwhile Jerry befriends Ray and David, but unfortunately David is suicidal after repeat humiliation, and he thinks a great deal about death as his only salvation.

Critical Analysis: Suicide is tough topic, and David's desire to die illustrates the lasting effects of bullying. After a punch you heal physically, but humiliation and ostracizing teens is profoundly damaging to their esteem. This book also explores hyper masculinity in its depiction of the Vigils and how they demand power at this school through force

Annotation: Same school year, Jerry returns, and Obie and Carter want to remove Archie from power. Emile Janza takes Archie's place and his replacement Emile is dangerous as well. Meanwhile David wants to commit suicide.

Author Information: Cormier has been called the "single most important writer for YA novels." He was born January 17, 1925 in Leonmister, MA.

Genre: YA Novel

Curriculum Ties: English literature

Booktalking Ideas: 1.) In your opinion can someone beat a bully like Archie or Emile?
2.) Are cliques lie the Vigils always going to have the most power?
3.) David's suicide is extreme, and sadly this isn't the first example of someone committing suicide due to what others say? How can you help those bullied, or yourself, combat feelings of humiliation.

Ages: 16 and up Grade Level: 11th grade and up due to violence

Challenge Issues: Bullying, Suicide

I would urge people to familiarize themselves with suicide counseling locations near them, and to read the book so that they can respond with accuracy and support. I would explain how this book shows the downside of negative behavior and doesn't glorify it.

I would also share the selection policies for San Diego County Libraries: http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf If after my working to convince the patron, they still were not satisfied and wanted to file a grievance, I would provide the needed paper work and then it would go to the “Challenged Materials” team for San Diego County and then onward until there is resolution: http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf

Selection: I chose this book because it and its prequel are well- written and also useful tools for discussing bullying in its worst forms. It is important to give teens a voice to be heard and this book allows teens to see the perspectives of bully and victim.




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