A Hero Ain't Nothin' but a Sandwich

Written by Alice Childress

A teen battles addiction, seeking belief in a world that doubts him.

3.8 Goodreads · 1,007 ratings

128 pages· 32,932 words· Est. 3.5 hour read· ~870L

$7.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Thirteen-year-old Benjie is caught in the grip of heroin, convinced he can quit anytime. But with school feeling pointless and home life bleak, he clings to the escape it offers. As those around him—his mother, stepfather, teachers, and friends—struggle to reach him, Benjie yearns for someone to see beyond the label of 'junkie.' Will he find the strength to break free, or will his future remain uncertain? Dive into a gripping tale of addiction and the search for hope.

From the publisher

Benjie can stop using heroin anytime he wants to. He just doesn’t want to yet. Why would he want to give up something that makes him feel so good, so relaxed, so tuned-out? As Benjie sees it, there’s nothing much to tune in for. School is a waste of time, and home life isn’t much better. All Benjie wants is for someone to believe in him, for someone to believe that he’s more than a thirteen-year-old junkie. Told from the perspectives of the people in his life-including his mother, stepfather, teachers, drug dealer, and best friend-this powerful story will draw you into Benjie’s troubled world and force you to confront the uncertainty of his future.