House That Crack Built, The

Reach for this book when you need to have a direct, serious conversation about the far-reaching consequences of drug use and the cycle of systemic poverty. This is not a sugar-coated story but a stark, cumulative poem that traces the journey of crack cocaine from the coca fields to the urban streets, illustrating how it affects everyone from the farmers and dealers to the families caught in the crossfire. It serves as a powerful visual and rhythmic tool to help pre-teens and teenagers understand the interconnectedness of global issues and personal choices. Parents might choose this book when their child is beginning to notice social inequities or when they want to provide a cautionary, realistic perspective on substance abuse that goes beyond simple 'just say no' slogans. It is a heavy but necessary resource for fostering deep empathy and social awareness.