R OBERT C ORMIER AND T HE C HOCOLATE W AR B ACKGROUND I NFORMATION College-Bound English 11 Mrs. Black & Mr. Courtot March 10, 2014

R OBERT C ORMIER : T HE M AN B EHIND THE N OVEL Born in Leominster, Massachusetts on January 17, Lived his entire life in Leominster. He began writing professionally as a script writer for radio commercials, but his “big break” was The Chocolate War in 1974.

R OBERT C ORMIER : T HE M AN B EHIND THE N OVEL Although he lived his entire life in Leominster, he traveled to nearly every state and even visited Australia. He loved jazz music and watching movies (often staying up late to do both). His books are frequently found on “Best of” lists for Young Adult literature. His break through novel opened his eyes to a new demographic for which he could be a voice. He died in 2000

E ARLY L IFE Cormier attended a private Catholic school and went on to attend Fitchburg State College. His first published work was a short story, written during his college years. His early career focused on journalism, during which he wrote for his local newspaper. He worked as an award-winning journalist for over 30 years.

T HE C HOCOLATE W AR Written in 1974, it was based on very personal events that involved his son and an annual chocolate sale at his son’s school. The book was sparked by the question, “What if?” Robert wanted to explore the consequences that his son could have faced. As with most of his works, Cormier aimed to look at the manipulation, intimidation, and abuse of authority in a very personal way.

T HE C HOCOLATE W AR This work is a social critique of the realities of high school. It is a Young Adult novel, focusing on a teenage protagonist dealing with the social, emotional, and physical challenges of growing up. This work is often challenged or banned based on language, sexual nature, and depiction of “gangs” and anarchy Between 1990 and 2000, it was one of the top-five most challenged books in the United States.

T HE C HOCOLATE W AR The Novel follows the story of Jerry Renault as he navigates the harsh reality of life in high school. There are many antagonists that Jerry must face throughout the work, but the hierarchy of these characters affects their approaches and importance. The novel focuses on themes of: Coming of age Bullying and peer-pressure challenging authority

R OBERT C ORMIER ’ S O THER N OTABLE W ORKS I am the Cheese (1977) (1979) After the First Death (1979) Fade (1988) The Bumblebee Flies Away (1983) We All Fall Down (1991) In the Middle of The Night (1995)

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