The House that Crack Built

The House That Crack Built (1992), written by Clark Taylor and illustrated by Jan Thompson Dicks, uses a nursery rhyme to trace the production, distribution, and destructive effects of crack cocaine. The story begins with coca plants and the farmers who grow them, then follows the drug through soldiers, dealers, gangs, and the streets of an urban community. As the chain develops, the consequences become increasingly serious, involving violence, crime, addiction, and suffering. The narrative eventually focuses on a young woman who uses crack and on her baby, showing how drug abuse can affect not only individuals but also families and communities. By connecting each stage of the drug trade, the book shows how the choices and actions of many people contribute to a wider cycle of harm.