From: Rob Reid <reid>
Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2001 09:24:15 -0500

I've been teaching The Chocolate War at UW?u Claire for the past 5 years. I've had some of the best, highly-charged discussions in these classes (mostly future teachers and librarians). Few students had read the book prior to the class (only a few were exposed to it in high school).

Here's an idea I borrowed from somewhere: I open the discussion by telling the students they all work in the PR division of the publisher and they are working on the book jacket for the new edition. They have all just taken truth serum and must put their true feelings of the book in the form of a jacket blurb. We put these responses on the board. The negative reponses usually outnumber the positive responses 4:1. We then get into the particulars - sometimes going for two straight hours (the only other books that evoke this strong discussion among 30 students are Weetize Bat - which also divides the class - and Harry Potter - which turns into a Love Fest.).

Some distinct memories: one older student saying she never believed in censorship before, but would make an exception for this book. Another student - all 6'4" of him standing on his chair shouting this was the best book he ever read and the only honest book he ever read. Some students are turned onto Cormier and pursue his other works. Some students who didn't like The Chocolate War recognized his talent and read - and appreciated - some of his other works. Many more will probably never read another Cormier (despite my best efforts).

I also bring in a local teacher who is wonderful and brave enough to share his story. He was fired for teaching The Chocolate War in a small town about an hour from Eau Claire. He describes the battles he had with his administration. He landed on his feet and found a job at my kids' school here in Eau Claire. It's his story, so I won't try to repeat it here. It's an eye-opener for my future teachers, though.

We also watch the ending of the feature film made out of The Chocolate War
(extremely hard to find). They actually changed the ending and had Jerry beat Archie in the boxing ring. Everyone, including Janza and Brother Leon, are cheering Jerry's name. Can you believe it?

At the end of the semester, most of my students select The Chocolate War as the book they wished they hadn't read. Upon further discussion, most are grudgingly glad they
"were forced to read it" so they know why it's so controversial.

I remember the first time I read it in 1979. I was teaching 9th grade English and it was an optional read for one class. I hated it! Hated the ending. I re-read it 15 years later and recognized genius at work.

Nothing makes me happier than the student who appreciates this book. I understand why many don't, but try to get them to explore it further or try another Cormier. It's okay, though, that Cormier's work isn't for the masses. He has a pretty big fan club as it is.


Rob Reid Youth Services/Special Needs Coordinator Indianhead Federated Library System 1538 Truax Blvd, Eau Claire, WI 54703 715?9P82, ext. 14 reid at ifls.lib.wi.us
Received on Mon 06 Aug 2001 09:24:15 AM CDT