The Real Chocolate War

"My name is Jerry Renault and I'm not going to sell the chocolates..." (Jerry, p. 168)


The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier Pantheon Books. 1974, 272 pp. $19.95 Realistic Fiction/Young Adult/ ISBN-13: 978-0440944591


Royal Readers, I knew the title was too good to be true. I had a feeling Robert Cormier did not write a story about chocoholics and the last Godiva chocolate left in the store. However, we are asked to "Dare to disturb the universe", with this dark and controversial tale of manipulations, mind games, mental and physical abuse... (this seems to be a recurring theme-remember Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games?). In Robert Cormier's tale, The Chocolate War, we meet Jerry Renault. Here is an average Joe attending an all boys Catholic school circa 1970s. Echoing today's headlines of Catholic schools closing due to funding and low enrollment, Jerry's school-Trinity is also facing this same crisis. What started out as a school fundraiser selling chocolate, takes a dramatic twist as Jerry is caught between the shady dealings of two warring factions. Brother Leon, the fanatic teacher versus Archie- a cult like figure in the school's secret society (gang) The Vigils, known as the Assigner. Brother Leon knows that the school in order to stay open, needs to sell more chocolate this year than any other year in the school's history. He calls on his nemesis (The Vigils) to back up the candy sales-an un-holy alliance if you will. With the assurance of 'cooperation', the sale is about to begin. However, Archie assigns Jerry the task of refusing to sell the chocolates (he is only supposed to do this for ten days) then change his mind. Consequently, Jerry's conscience and sense of justice prevents him from 'selling out' and ultimately selling the chocolates. By the end of this disturbing tale that Cormier brilliantly weaves, we find Jerry brutally broken down in body and in spirit.

Dahlings, the realism of this story still holds true today. Change the year, clothes, music, add technology and a few other culturally relevant facts and you would still have a story. Issues of belonging, peer pressure, justice, conformity, cruelty, morality, sex, just to name a few, will never be outdated. Even though Jerry is the focal point, one cannot help but analyze Archie to find out what makes him tick. What drives him to torment others? Is there any hope for him in the future, after all he is not yet an adult. A character (Obie) tells him that he will get his in the end. He just might in the sequel, Beyond the Chocolate War.

This story deals with issues of multi-aged young adults, however, some of the scenes (sexual in nature) would be more appropriate for older readers (9th - 12th graders). Chapter and character studies are excellent ways to introduce this book to students, as there is so much that could be covered and discussed. The only drawback to teaching this book is the possibility of parental/community censorship. Did I mention that ever since being published, The Chocolate War has always been in danger of being banned (it was temporarily) and pulled from shelves? While I am not a fan of the theme, I can appreciate the literary value and good storytelling that Cormier brings. This multi awarded story will always be known as one of the forerunners of young adult literature.

Moreover, after reading this story, I recommend that you compare Cormier's The Chocolate War to William Golding's Lord of the Flies. Next, read the sequel-Beyond the Chocolate War and Kevin Waltman's Learning the Game. For an in depth look at the author and his writing style, skim Patty Campbell's Robert Cormier: Daring to Disturb the Universe.







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Queenie

Portrait of a First Lady

"You've got to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. All right? Trust me, I was right where you guys are. I grew up in the same kind of neighborhood. The thing that made me different from a lot of other kids who didn't have opportunities was that I tried new stuff and I wasn't afraid to be uncomfortable" (excerpt of a speech given by Michelle Obama to young girls in South Carolina during the 2008 presidential campaign, p. 62).


Michelle Obama: An American Story by David Colbert Sandpiper Books, 2008, 151 pp. $15.99 Biography ISBN 978054724941-4




Royal Readers, for Women's History Month I chose the biography of the United States of America's historical first African American First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama. No matter what you think of her husband, another historic first, she will be forever entrenched in our history. David Colbert chose to cover Michelle's developmental years to her courtship and early years of marriage. However, we do get a glimpse of what married life, motherhood, and life on the campaign trail (senate and presidential) was like. Interviews with close friends, relatives, acquaintances, and the subject herself, provide a candid look and a sense of connectedness.

For most people, especially women and people of color, it is often difficult to relate to people in power or in the majority. Growing up in the United States, most of us were taught to value the American way and to believe in the pursuit of happiness and that individuals can achieve anything with hard work and determination. Michelle Obama is truly reflective of this value system. When she was growing up, she knew that she was destined for greatness and not only talked the talk, but walked the walk as well. Young people who are striving for excellence or maybe need a role model to emulate will be able to identify with the portrait of a humble but proud woman that Mr. Colbert writes about. In addition, readers will crave more information about her life in the White House, as he only provided a few references including family details that will interest young adult audiences. Two sections of color photographs were added to make this a highly readable biography.

Dahlings, by now you know me, etc., etc.. While I enjoyed this book, I am warning all the gossips that you will not find any trashy details, controversial-yes, trashy -no. Michelle's story from start to finish is inspiring! From facing what the younger crowd calls 'haters' (people who are always trying to put you down) to overcoming racism growing up in Chicago and later on in her academic career in high school and later Princeton. Although we are not privy to all the details (spice), Michelle herself through interviews is quite candid and saucy. When asked what the First Lady she thinks she is like-most compare her to the fabulous Jackie O (Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis), she replied on page 137, "...I think I can only be who I am in this role. And that's going to come with all the pluses and minuses and baggage and insecurities and all the things that I'll bring into it, plus my hopes and dreams along with it." For this reason (To thine own self be true) , I am crowning her as an honorary Queen, even though she dubbed herself as the "Mom-in-Chief". From one Queen to another-"You Go Girl!"

I recommend that you check out the National First Ladies' Library at http://www.firstladies.org/ to find out more about the lives and times of all our First Ladies. Also check out the Inaugural Gowns and First Ladies exhibit at the Smithsonian museum at http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/First-Ladys-Inaugural-Gown-Arrives-at-Smithsonian.html

Queenie

Hypnotic Poetry

Sitomer, Alan Lawrence. (2008). Yo, Hip-Hop's got roots. The ALAN
Review, 35. Retrieved from http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/ALAN/v35n2/sitomer.html

Alan Lawrence Sitomer and Aspiring Poet/Hip-Hop Artists

That’s how you need to look at classic poetry. Some of it just needs a bit of time, a chance, but trust me, once you start to “get it” and see its connections to Hip-Hop and modern life and love, sex, war, loneliness, ecstasy and desperation (I’m telling ya, classic poetry is Deep with a capital D) you’ll start to discover that some of this classic poetry I am yapping to you about is off-the-hook! (Sitomer, 2008).

The author, Alan Lawrence Sitomer, wrote The Hoopster, Hip-Hop High School, Homeboyz, a trilogy of young adult novels published by Hyperton, as well as an English textbook called Hip-Hop Poetry and The Classics. He was also voted the California Teacher of the Year in 2007.

Royal Readers, have you ever read something with a good/great line? Well, the article Yo, Hip-Hop Got Roots grabbed me from the side. No wonder Mr. Sitomer was the teacher of the year!

In the article, Mr. Sitomer describes the similarities between today's hip-hop artists and the bards/poets of yesteryear. Through his tone and language you can almost hear him introducing his students to poetry. Instead of moans and groans, connections were being made as trivial factual details about the background and writing styles of present and past artists were explored (he played a guess who game). Although, Sitomer has a good grasp on his audience, he is also imparting a valuable teaching tool for professionals to motivate young adults to appreciate poetry. Make those connections.

Oftentimes, readers no matter what age do not like certain genres/writing styles because of a lack of meaningful connection. When one can 'get into' and/or go beyond to expand your knowledge of a work, it is thought that you have achieved a higher level of literature appreciation. Poetry is one of those gateways. It is like a canvas waiting for a masterpiece. Everyone takes away from it something different every time. When a poem is set to a beat track, you get hip-hop.

Mr. Sitomer and I have a similar teaching style. I have found it easier to introduce unpopular topics with something relevant to my students' lives or the sign of the times. Music truly does make the world go round. For the past four years, my students have put on the show Hip-Hop Poetry (also a title that Sitomer uses) where they recite classical poets or compose original works of art to recite with an instrumental beat in the background.

Queenie

Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet

"I tell you, Jeeta, your tongue is too sharp and your coloring is too dark, so for your sake, when your time comes, say yes to the first man that says yes to you." (Mummy, p. 125)

Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet by Kashmira Sheth Hyperion Books, New York, NY, 2006, 224 pp. $15.99 Young Adult/Peoples and Cultures/Non-Western Setting/ ISBN: 0786838574

Royal Readers isn't Mummy something! Our next story is Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet. It has the non-western setting of modern day Mumbai, India. Our author, Kashmira Sheth takes us through the life of a girl named Jeeta and her family. Sassy 16 year old Jeeta often gets into trouble with her mother who feels that she is too outspoken and independent, among other things. Although the story is set in the present, the author gives the reader an insight into cultural and generational clashes. The idea of an arranged marriage looms heavily for Jeeta, as her two older sisters-Nimita and Mohini have been married off to suitable men of their caste (socio-economic status). What is a girl to do? The East meets the West and mama knows best. Is an arranged marriage the best kind of marriage? In the western world where divorce rates are high, does the east do it better the old fashioned way?

Readers will find the landscape and marital issues enlightening. However, the author presents a problem that has plagued women of color for ages; the darkness of skin tones. In this story we learn that Jeeta is darker skinned (hence part of the title Koyal Dark-a koyal is a black bird about the size of a robin with a sweet song), which has the potential to lower her beauty and perhaps value as a wife. No matter the culture, women face so much adversity, especially over appearance. Despite the odds, Jeeta and her mother see education as important, but for different reasons. Mummy wants her to get a science degree to make a man overlook her darkness, while Jeeta wants to become a lawyer. She befriends the daughter of a judge –Sarina, and reacquaints herself (secretly) with a boy named Neel she met at the pool who turns out to be the judge’s nephew.
While the story is lush with details, it is a little bit of a slower paced read, but picks up in the end. The glossary really helps the reader to understand the backdrop and cultural references made. Ms. Sheth has done a good job with writing about a young girl coming of age dealing with gender, cultural and generational issues and realistic relationships. Teens of all cultures will be able to identify with Jeeta’s issues of growing up and finding her place in life. They will also get a glimpse of what life is like for a teen growing up in another culture.
Will Miss Jeeta find love and a possible marriage match with Neel? Are both of her sisters happy in their arranged marriages? Will Mummy and Jeeta ever agree or agree to disagree? Will we as a society stop judging ourselves and others by looks alone?Oh, yes, royal readers, be sure to join Kashmira’s weblog to let her know what you think of the story’s ending at http://kashmirasheth.typepad.com/my_weblog/koyal-dark-mango-sweet.html

If you like reading about teens from other cultures check these out:

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Queenie

Sporting Hungriness

"I enter a nightmare from which I wake repeatedly only to find a greater terror awaiting me." (Katniss Everdeen, The Hunger Games)

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Scholastic Press, 2008, 374 pp. $17.99 Science Fiction/YA/ ISBN: 0439023483



Dahlings, this is a warning that organized chaos is about to start. Do not be alarmed the confusion will be properly handled by the end.

I hate this book! I love this book! There really is a thin line, honey. I want to read what happens next. Like a moth drawn to a flame, I must read the sequel.

Let me start with why I hated (wanted to anyway) this book. For the same reason that the classic The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell and the show Survivor make me cringe. The premise of pitting children against children to a fight to the death for food and other prizes is terrifying! I can just picture my little ones going at it for chicken nuggets!
But on a serious note, the news brings us a startling reality of actual kids fighting and killing each other over less. In a world of poverty, crime, war, waste and moral ineptitude it is no wonder that life is imitating art. This story is set in the future, however, I see a lot of parallels to our own dangerous present. Maybe Ms. Collins and other Sci Fi-ers are psychic.

The book overall is addictive. The waiting lists for Hunger Games at the public libraries are crazy. Teens are able to identify with whatever hunger exists in their lives. I do not like to limit readers, however, I feel that this selection would fare better with middle and high schoolers. I am always on the lookout for stories for my advanced fourth and fifth graders (who would probably devour this book), but I’ll let them duke it out with the parentals for permission. I feel that this book should be read by grades Seven and up. The descriptive details of the setting and story line are riveting. I also loved all the characters, even the fox-faced girl. While the author, Suzanne Collins, endears the readers to the plight of our heroine Katniss Everdeen, you can't help but root for the other children of the districts competing in the Hunger Games. In this case the title is not just for show. Twelve boys and twelve girls (a set from each of the twelve districts) are sent from their homes to compete in the sadistic Capital's twisted games. The Capital feels that it is owed retribution after the districts rebelled against them. I thought it was enough that they obliterated District 13, but no, it is demanded that twenty four children compete with only one to live to tell the story. Well Royal Readers, your Queen would never want you to rebel. After all it's good to be Queen. I have a lot of suggestions for how the Capital could gain favor. However, I'll let Suzanne continue with this addictive storyline. It is a fast paced read with more twists and turns than a roller coaster. I don't think Ms. Collins had a movie deal in mind (yes, dahlings she does) when she wrote Hunger Games, however she was crafty in plotting three stories-take that J.K.!

Science Fiction and Fantasy books are always causing a disturbance! They either make you think or think of thinking. These are the stories that most want to ban, but all want to read (if you know what I mean). Deep down inside resides an evil that we are tempted to let live.
If you must read this book, and you should at least once. You might as well continue with the rest of the series. Catching Fire and Mockingjay (due out in August). I feel that these stories are enough for you to try to digest. However, if you crave more read the classic The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell.

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Try your luck at the Hunger Games game at http://www.scholastic.com/thehungergames/games/index.htm