The Chocolate War (novel)

"The Chocolate War," a novel by Robert Cormier, follows a high school student named Jerry Renault who refuses to participate in his school's annual chocolate sale fundraiser, defying the school's corrupt tradition and the pressure from peers and faculty. This act of resistance sparks a brutal campaign of bullying and intimidation led by the school's administration and a powerful group of students. The story explores themes of conformity, courage, and the moral dilemmas of standing up for one's beliefs in a challenging environment. Ultimately, it raises questions about the cost of individual integrity in the face of societal expectations.