Books like A hero ain't nothin' but a sandwich by Alice Childress
Benjie, a thirteen‑year‑old resident of Harlem, battles heroin addiction. He believes he can quit but feels trapped by the narcotic’s escape from the disheartening reality of school and home life. The story is told through the eyes of key figures in his life—his mother, stepfather, teachers, drug dealer, and best friend—painting a powerful portrait of a young boy yearning for someone to believe in him and recognize his potential beyond the addiction. Readers are drawn into Benjie’s troubled world and compelled to confront the uncertain future that looms over him.
First publish date: 1973
Genre: Children's Fiction/Early Readers
Authors: Alice Childress
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