The Chocolate War
by Robert Cormier
About_
The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier follows Jerry Renault, a freshman at Trinity High School, whose quiet refusal
to take part in the school’s chocolate sale draws him into conflict with a secret student group called The Vigils and
the manipulative Acting Headmaster, Brother Leon. This study guide divides the novel into eight sections that trace
the full plot and its themes of conformity, power, and individual courage. Students will practice factual recall,
critical analysis, vocabulary through a crossword, and character study focused on the novel’s protagonist. This
study guide contains 104 questions across 8 chapter sections (80 Factual + 24 Critical), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12
clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity.
What’s Included_
This study guide features 8 sets of 10 Factual Questions with an answer key (80 total), 8 sets of 3 Critical Analysis
Questions (24 total), 1 Crossword Puzzle (12 clues), and 1 Character Focus Activity (8 traits + evidence prompt +
critical thinking question).
Target Grades_
Grades 9-11
Teacher Note_
This guide is designed to save you prep time while giving students a structured path through a challenging,
thought-provoking novel. The factual questions build comprehension and accountability, while the critical
questions push students to grapple with the book’s difficult themes of conformity, bullying, and moral courage.
Enjoy watching your students find their own voice in the discussion these questions invite!