- 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) Cabrini-Green
D) Henry Horner Homes
- 2. Who is the author of 'There Are No Children Here'?
A) Jonathan Kozol
B) Alex Kotlowitz
C) Nicholas Lemann
D) Ta-Nehisi Coates
- 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) Detroit
C) New York
D) Chicago
- 5. What is the name of the boys' mother?
A) Deetta
B) Marlene
C) Ella
D) LaJoe
- 6. What is a major source of constant fear for the children?
A) School tests
B) Gang violence and shootings
C) Natural disasters
D) Stray animals
- 7. What event causes the family to be temporarily displaced from their apartment?
A) A flood
B) An eviction
C) A fire
D) A police raid
- 8. What is Lafayette's primary concern throughout the book?
A) Moving to the suburbs
B) Becoming a famous athlete
C) Getting a new video game
D) Protecting his family
- 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 helpful and supportive
B) As distrustful and sometimes abusive
C) As invisible and absent
D) As friends to the children
- 11. What season opens the book?
A) Spring
B) Winter
C) Summer
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 car accident
D) A building collapse
- 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 biography of a famous activist
D) A guide to urban gardening
- 14. What is the primary genre of the book?
A) Non-fiction narrative journalism
B) Historical fiction
C) A mystery novel
D) Science fiction
- 15. What happens to the boys' older brother, Terence?
A) He is sent to prison
B) He moves away to college
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) Six months
B) Five years
C) Two years
D) Ten 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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