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