The Chocolate War

Cormier, R. (1974). The chocolate war. NY: Delacorte.

Jerry is a freshman at Trinity High School.  The school is run by a group of bullies called The Vigils.  The school is having a chocolate candy fundraiser.  Jerry is told to refuse a box by the Vigils, but then get a box a few days later. Inspired by a poster in his locker, Jerry decides to refuse to sell the candy.  His defiance challenges the authority of the Vigils which makes them angry at Jerry.  Jerry is bullied and beaten as a result of his 
standing up for his beliefs.
The theme of identity is important in this book.  Jerry decides to stand up for himself and not comply with the rules set by The Vigils.  However, he soon learns that it's not always easy to change the universe.