Books in Readers Circle series

One of the most controversial YA novels of all time, "The Chocolate War" is a modern masterpiece that speaks to fans of S. E. Hinton s "The Outsiders" and John Knowles s "A Separate Peace." After suffering rejection from seven major publishers, "The Chocolate War" made its debut in 1974, and quickly became a bestselling and provocative classic for young adults. This chilling portrait of an all-boys prep school casts an unflinching eye on the pitfalls of conformity and corruption in our most elite cultural institutions. Masterfully structured and rich in theme; the action is well crafted, well timed, suspenseful. "The New York Times Book Review" The characterizations of all the boys are superb. "School Library Journal," starred review Compellingly immediate. . . . Readers will respect the uncompromising ending. "Kirkus Reviews," starred review An ALA Best Book for Young Adults A "School Library Journal" Best Book of the Year A "Kirkus Reviews" Editor s Choice A "New York Times" Outstanding Book of the Year"

★ ""A captivating read."--"School Library Journal," Starred" One night Sophie and her parents are called to a hospital where Pedro, a six-year-old Mexican boy, is recovering from dehydration. Crossing the border into Arizona with a group of Mexicans and a coyote, or guide, Pedro and his parents faced such harsh conditions that the boy is the only survivor. Pedro comes to live with Sophie, her parents, and Sophie's Aunt Dika, a refugee of the war in Bosnia. Sophie loves Pedro--her "Principito, "or Little Prince. But after a year, Pedro's surviving family in Mexico makes contact, and Sophie, Dika, Dika's new boyfriend, and his son must travel with Pedro to his hometown so that he can make a heartwrenching decision. "An IRA Award WinnerAn Americas Award Honor BookAn ALA-YALSA Best Book for Young AdultsA Colorado Book Award WinnerA Cybil Award FinalistA "School Library Journal "Best BookA Richie's Pick"