- 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) Stateway Gardens
B) Robert Taylor Homes
C) Henry Horner Homes
D) Cabrini-Green
- 2. Who is the author of 'There Are No Children Here'?
A) Ta-Nehisi Coates
B) Nicholas Lemann
C) Alex Kotlowitz
D) Jonathan Kozol
- 3. What are the first names of the two main brothers the book follows?
A) Ricky and Craig
B) Deonte and Terrence
C) Lafayette and Pharoah
D) Michael and James
- 4. In what city does the story take place?
A) Detroit
B) Los Angeles
C) New York
D) Chicago
- 5. What is the name of the boys' mother?
A) Deetta
B) Marlene
C) LaJoe
D) Ella
- 6. What is a major source of constant fear for the children?
A) Gang violence and shootings
B) Stray animals
C) School tests
D) Natural disasters
- 7. What event causes the family to be temporarily displaced from their apartment?
A) A fire
B) A flood
C) An eviction
D) A police raid
- 8. What is Lafayette's primary concern throughout the book?
A) Protecting his family
B) Getting a new video game
C) Becoming a famous athlete
D) Moving to the suburbs
- 9. What institution is portrayed as largely failing the children?
A) The public library
B) The public school system
C) The local church
D) The grocery store
- 10. How does the book primarily portray the police?
A) As distrustful and sometimes abusive
B) As friends to the children
C) As invisible and absent
D) As helpful and supportive
- 11. What season opens the book?
A) Winter
B) Summer
C) Spring
D) Fall
- 12. What event nearly kills Lafayette and his friends?
A) A gas leak
B) They are caught in a gang crossfire.
C) A building collapse
D) A car accident
- 13. What is the overarching theme of the book?
A) The impact of poverty and violence on childhood
B) A history of Chicago architecture
C) A guide to urban gardening
D) A biography of a famous activist
- 14. What is the primary genre of the book?
A) Science fiction
B) A mystery novel
C) Historical fiction
D) Non-fiction narrative journalism
- 15. What happens to the boys' older brother, Terence?
A) He moves away to college
B) He is sent to prison
C) He becomes a successful businessman
D) He is killed in a drive-by shooting
- 16. The book covers a period of approximately how many years?
A) Two years
B) Six months
C) Ten years
D) Five years
- 17. What is the primary source of tension for LaJoe?
A) Trying to protect her sons from their environment
B) Paying for a new car
C) A feud with her neighbors
D) Her job at a factory
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