Sunday, September 23, 2012

The Chocoale War by Robert Cormier

Did you know there is a Banned Book Week each year? To celebrate the 30th year, I wanted to let you in on one of my favorites. Jerry is starting high school with the attitude of "Do I dare disturb the universe?" He just wants to find his way after his mom's death.  Problems start when he is targeted as a new recruit for Vigils, the "gang" that tries to run this all boy school. When the assistant head master tells its leader Archie to get all of the fundraiser chocolate sold, Jerry gets his task for initiation to be in the Vigils-- don't sell any chocolate! What starts as a way to make a freshman look bad leads to a rebellion and could end Jerry's life. What Jerry's friend has to do should never, never, never (do you hear me) never be done to any of your teachers!  You will send your teacher over the edge. My teenage brother pushed this book into my stomach after finishing it 3 weeks early. My mom was shocked as was I.  But he was right with this book; it makes you want to see if Jerry can disturb the universe and live. For more information about Banned Book Week: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek