Here is part of Wikipedia's entry on The Chocolate War:

"The Chocolate War is a young adult novel written by American author Robert Cormier and first published in 1974. It was adapted into a film in 1988. Although it received mixed reviews at the time of its publication, it has since been identified as one of the best young adult novels of all time.[1] Set at the fictional Trinity High School, the story follows protagonist Jerry Renault as he challenges the school's cruel, brutal, and ugly mob rule. Because of the novel's language, the concept of a high school's secret society using intimidation to enforce the cultural norms of the school, and the protagonist's sexual ponderings, it has been the frequent target of censors and appears at number four on the American Library Association's list of the "100 Most Frequently Challenged Books of 1990-2000". "

From reading the synopsis, it sounds rather bleak. Kind of like an adolescent riff on 1984, something like Lord of the Flies. The good guys do not win in the end.

I remember reading books like these in junior high and high school. I think that kids that age are ready to understand that this is theoretical. That portraying something bad can be an effective criticism rather than an endorsement. Certainly it's easier to handle a bad ending in a book before being confronted with some of the very bad endings in the real world.

Of course, some kids my be particularly sensitive about some topics. for instance, if a child is being treated for depression, or has been traumatized in a situation reminiscent of a book's plot, then it's only common sense to ask for an alternative selection to a book with disturbing themes.

I appreciate the response. First off, I did hear from the teacher by the end of the day. We discussed the book. We came in after permission slips had been handed out regarding the choice to pick between that book and another. Slid thru throught the cracks. Within the first chapter there is a part that my "sheltered" son had not been talked to about yet in our home, which he did not understand. I am raising him with a strong faith and whether he hears it from friends or school, the time for us to tell him about growing up etc is when we are ready. His teacher and I discussed the matter. She is very matter of fact with our kids when questions arise. They do not come to the parent. In 5 years of using this book I am only the second that has come to her. Which means parents are not paying attention to what their kids are doing. Only the a few. Which makes me think it is the ones that are on this website!!! After talking over the matter with our child and I having my strong faith I am letting him finish the book. He asked me when he did not understand what he read. He doesn't seem to be ready to discuss it yet either. We are pressing on. Regardless if you have a boy or girl, pay attention to what your kids are reading. I can only imagine what my daughter when she gets to the age would have thought about the part in the book. Sorry I am not just quoating it, but it still bothers me, that I was not fully aware of what they are were reading in the classroom. We sign for movies to be watched, make sure you know what is in the book.

My son read The Chocolate War and, while there is some language that you may find offensive, this is nothing compared to what they hear on TV and web videos.

The subject is of interest to me in a different way. I was amazed by the darkness and the notion of death that was present in most of the curriculum my son has had to address in this first semester: they have studied The Giver (probably the most age appropriate book this year, but extremely dark), Flowers for Algernon, Anne Frank, Of Mice and Men. All classical books with a real literary value, but all extremely depressing.

I was wondering if it was typical of 8th grade curriculum and how I should address this with the school.

What about "The Chocolate War" made you uncomfortable? Was it some of the language used in the book or was it the entire theme of the book? (I've never read it, so I'm curious.)

Usually there is a district curriculum guide that parents can view for every grade in their schools, which outlines what topics will be covered each year, and what textbook series are used. It may or may not be up to an individual instructor at each school to decide what constitutes acceptable literature. However, if one attends "Meet the Teacher" events at the beginning of school terms, lists of what specific material will be read/presented during the year are often distributed to the parents.