- 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) Jonathan Kozol
B) Ta-Nehisi Coates
C) Nicholas Lemann
D) Alex Kotlowitz
- 3. What are the first names of the two main brothers the book follows?
A) Deonte and Terrence
B) Michael and James
C) Lafayette and Pharoah
D) Ricky and Craig
- 4. In what city does the story take place?
A) New York
B) Chicago
C) Los Angeles
D) Detroit
- 5. What is the name of the boys' mother?
A) LaJoe
B) Marlene
C) Deetta
D) Ella
- 6. What is a major source of constant fear for the children?
A) School tests
B) Natural disasters
C) Gang violence and shootings
D) Stray animals
- 7. What event causes the family to be temporarily displaced from their apartment?
A) An eviction
B) A fire
C) A police raid
D) A flood
- 8. What is Lafayette's primary concern throughout the book?
A) Getting a new video game
B) Moving to the suburbs
C) Becoming a famous athlete
D) Protecting his family
- 9. What institution is portrayed as largely failing the children?
A) The local church
B) The public library
C) The grocery store
D) The public school system
- 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) A building collapse
C) A gas leak
D) They are caught in a gang crossfire.
- 13. What is the overarching theme of the book?
A) A biography of a famous activist
B) A guide to urban gardening
C) The impact of poverty and violence on childhood
D) A history of Chicago architecture
- 14. What is the primary genre of the book?
A) Historical fiction
B) Science fiction
C) A mystery novel
D) Non-fiction narrative journalism
- 15. What happens to the boys' older brother, Terence?
A) He becomes a successful businessman
B) He is killed in a drive-by shooting
C) He is sent to prison
D) He moves away to college
- 16. The book covers a period of approximately how many years?
A) Six months
B) Five years
C) Two years
D) Ten years
- 17. What is the primary source of tension for LaJoe?
A) Paying for a new car
B) A feud with her neighbors
C) Trying to protect her sons from their environment
D) Her job at a factory
|