- 1. There Are No Children Here by Alex Kotlowitz is a poignant and deeply moving narrative that explores the lives of two African American boys, Lafeyette and Pharaoh in the Henry Horner Homes, a public housing project in Chicago, during the late 1980s. Through Kotlowitz's immersive and empathetic storytelling, the book provides a raw and unflinching look at the overwhelming struggles of poverty, systemic inequality, and the impact of violence and crime on the lives of children in an urban environment. As Lafeyette and Pharaoh navigate their challenging world, filled with dreams and aspirations often stifled by their circumstances, the narrative highlights the resilience of youth, the complex dynamics of family, and the powerful effects of community. Kotlowitz's journalistic lens delves into the harsh realities faced by the boys and their neighbors, illustrating not just their despair but also the moments of joy and camaraderie that punctuate their lives. Ultimately, the book stands as a critical commentary on society's failures and a heartfelt tribute to the innocent spirit of childhood in the face of adversity.
What is the name of the housing project where the Rivers family lives?
A) Robert Taylor Homes
B) Henry Horner Homes
C) Stateway Gardens
D) Cabrini-Green
- 2. Who is the author of 'There Are No Children Here'?
A) Ta-Nehisi Coates
B) Alex Kotlowitz
C) Nicholas Lemann
D) Jonathan Kozol
- 3. What are the first names of the two main brothers the book follows?
A) Ricky and Craig
B) Lafayette and Pharoah
C) Michael and James
D) Deonte and Terrence
- 4. In what city does the story take place?
A) Los Angeles
B) New York
C) Detroit
D) Chicago
- 5. What is the name of the boys' mother?
A) Ella
B) Deetta
C) Marlene
D) LaJoe
- 6. What is a major source of constant fear for the children?
A) Natural disasters
B) Stray animals
C) Gang violence and shootings
D) School tests
- 7. What event causes the family to be temporarily displaced from their apartment?
A) A flood
B) A police raid
C) A fire
D) An eviction
- 8. What is Lafayette's primary concern throughout the book?
A) Becoming a famous athlete
B) Getting a new video game
C) Moving to the suburbs
D) Protecting his family
- 9. What institution is portrayed as largely failing the children?
A) The public library
B) The local church
C) The public school system
D) The grocery store
- 10. How does the book primarily portray the police?
A) As distrustful and sometimes abusive
B) As helpful and supportive
C) As invisible and absent
D) As friends to the children
- 11. What season opens the book?
A) Fall
B) Summer
C) Winter
D) Spring
- 12. What event nearly kills Lafayette and his friends?
A) A car accident
B) They are caught in a gang crossfire.
C) A gas leak
D) A building collapse
- 13. What is the overarching theme of the book?
A) A biography of a famous activist
B) A history of Chicago architecture
C) A guide to urban gardening
D) The impact of poverty and violence on childhood
- 14. What is the primary genre of the book?
A) Science fiction
B) Non-fiction narrative journalism
C) Historical fiction
D) A mystery novel
- 15. What happens to the boys' older brother, Terence?
A) He moves away to college
B) He becomes a successful businessman
C) He is sent to prison
D) He is killed in a drive-by shooting
- 16. The book covers a period of approximately how many years?
A) Five years
B) Six months
C) Two years
D) Ten years
- 17. What is the primary source of tension for LaJoe?
A) A feud with her neighbors
B) Paying for a new car
C) Trying to protect her sons from their environment
D) Her job at a factory
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