Famed dramatist and author Alice Childress portrays her protagonist's "short walk" through life. During the early half of the twentieth century, Cora James experiences political movements, the easy life of dealing poker in a Harlem card parlor, and the more grueling demands of the vaudeville circuit. She emerges as the woman of stature she always vowed to become....

A classic of young adult literature, this is the story of Benjie--young, black, and well on his way to being hooked on heroin. "Brilliant . . . exciting . . . entertaining."--The New York Times....

The life of a thirteen-year-old Harlem youth on his way to becoming a confirmed heroin addict is seen from his viewpoint and from that of several people around him....