A Hero Ain't Nothin' but a Sandwich
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 1973 · Est. 3.5 hour read

A Hero Ain't Nothin' but a Sandwich

By Alice Childress

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

3.8/5 Goodreads · 1,005 ratings
128 pages· 32,932 words· Est. 3.5 hour read
$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.

Awards

Coretta Scott King Honor (1974)
At a glance
Format
Mass Market Paperback
Pages
128
Words
32,932
Reading age
12–99+
Audience
Young Adult
Lexile
~870L
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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
5.6
F&P level
~U
AR points
5
AR interest level
UG
AR quiz
41459
Publication
Published
February 1, 2000
First published
January 1, 1973
Publisher
Puffin Books
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780698118546

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