Chris Chinchilla’s Reviews > The Chocolate War > Status Update

The tension building between Jerry and the teacher, Brother Leon, is sharp and hilarious, and feels like a ticking time bomb! The resistance to selling chocolates for the school creates suspense, bucking the seemingly mundane prep-school system with anxiety-inducing fervor.

The box of marbles that keeps Archie's power in check is an ingenious source of suspense, like a ticking bomb.

Fantastic character development through conflict and subtext, especially what's NOT said. The secret group of students calling themselves The Vigils remains mysterious, but they give me a Catcher in the Rye vibe: control of the campus.