A Hero Ain't Nothin' But a Sandwich - Alice Childress

All Benjie wants is for someone to believe in him, for someone to believe that he's more than a 13-year-old heroin junkie. Told from the perspectives of people in his life--including his mother, teachers, and even his drug dealer--this powerful story confronts a heavy issue facing many teens today. 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.