to harass through bullying, prank calls, and vandalism. Only The Goober remains Jerry's friend but does little to protect him. Ultimately, Archie enlists the school bully Emile Janza to beat up Jerry just outside the school, but, even in the aftermath, Jerry maintains his defiant nonconformity. Finally, Archie concocts a showdown: a boxing match at night between Jerry and Emile. On the football field, the match is watched by all students, who can select which blows will be laid during the fight through a randomized lottery system; however, the fight ends when a teacher shuts down the electrical power on the field, and Jerry is brutally injured in the ensuing darkness. Half-conscious, he tells The Goober that there was no way to win and he should have just complied, conceding that it is best, after all, not to "disturb the universe." Though Archie is apprehended as the mastermind of the fight, Brother Leon intervenes on his behalf and privately praises his efforts in the unprecedented success of the chocolate sales. Leon implies that next year, if he is officially made the new headmaster, he will work to preserve Archie's power. Critical reception The book was well-received by critics. The New York Times wrote "The Chocolate War is masterfully structured and rich in theme; the action is well crafted, well timed, suspenseful; complex ideas develop and unfold with clarity." Children's Book Review Service wrote "Robert Cormier has written a brilliant novel." Cormier explained in an interview that he was "interested in creating real people, dramatic situations that will keep the reader turning pages." He went on to say that although some adults dislike the book because of the topics discussed, "the kids can absorb my kind of book because they know this kind of thing happens in life." The New York Times Book Review declared "Mr. Cormier is almost unique in his powerful integration of the personal, political and moral" and The Australian wrote that young readers "recognised his vision as authentic and admired his willingness to tell things as they are". However, the book has been banned from many schools and it was one of the more challenged books of 2006, for its sexual content, strong language, and violence. Reviewers compared the book to A Separate Peace and Lord of the Flies. Reception Awards The Chocolate War has received the following accolades: 1974 School Library Journal Best Books of the