There Are No Children Here : The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in The Other America

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Summary: There are no nonsense talks here!
Review: I had to read this book as a part of my college course, but boy! What a book it turned out to be!The descriptions that the author creates are vivid and the story is touching. Undoubtedly one of the best books I have ever read.

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Summary: Touching story of two brothers growing up in poverty.
Review: Alex Kotlowitz's novel was written during the middle and late 1980s. It accurately and truthfully describes the living conditions that existed in a Chicago housing project. He details a three year period in the lives of ten year old Lafayette and seven year old Pharaoh which includes their special adventures on the railroad tracks and their constant fear of gang violence and death. The family is caught up in a "culture of poverty". Mr. Kotlowitz includes many, many true characters including the then mayor, housing execs, politicians, police, and gangbangers in the book. But the beauty of the book is the close bond between the brothers in the mist of surrounding chaos. Today Lafayette is still adjusting, but alive. Pharaoh has graduated high school with the help of Mr. Kotlowitz's, and his mother, LaJoe is well. They have since move from the housing projects, but still reside on the westside of Chicago. Mr. Kotkowitz lives in a suburb outside of Chicago. I was police officer in those projects when this book was written.

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Summary: Well constructed, well researched
Review: This book is not only a gripping insight into the lives of inner-city youth and an example of gutsy fieldwork; it is increadibly well researched journalism. Without details about the state of city government during the book's writing, the histories of certain minor characters, and the inner lives of nearly every major characters (forgive me for calling them characters) we'd miss out on the full story. An important read.

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Summary: This is one of the best books I have read in a long time.
Review: I just want to congradulate Mr. Kotlowitz on the great job he did with this book. I came across it through a school project I had to write. It really made me think about how lucky and blessed some people really are. You never know how good you have it until you see how bad others have it. My heart really went out to these boys. But the sad thing is that their are so many Pharoahs and Lafeyettes out here in the world. The author did a great job showing us the lives of those who unfornately are less fortunate. Thank you for opening my eyes.

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Summary: One of the best books I've read in a long time
Review: This is one book that I think everyone should read. It should especially be required reading for junior high and high school students. The gripping tale of the lives of Lafeytte and Pharaoh Rivers made me realize how much we take for granted in life. Most of us who are not living in poverty know very little about the reality of minority children living in such harsh conditions. It was a real eye-opening experience for me. I still think about Lafeyette and Pharaoh and wonder how they are doing now, ten years later. Were they able to get out of their environment and get an education and experience a better life? This book makes me angry and reveals the true nature of white power and privilege and the effects of racism. A must read.

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Summary: Eye-opening
Review: There Are No Children Here is a book that should be read by all people of all ages. I am currently reading this book out loud to my 8th grade students. They are quiet, still, involved, and LEARNING about the "other America." They are shocked and continue to remind each other that this is a non-fiction book. I would like to invite Mr. Kotlowitz into my classroom to answer the various questions that my students are asking. If anyone knows how to get in touch with him, please let me know.

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Summary: This book touched me and broke my heart at the same time
Review: The people whose lives were chronicled in this book are just like everyone else in America except they are poor and black and that is a deadly combination which unfortunately cause them to live in desolate conditions that most of America could never even dream of living in. The two brothers and all the other children in this book are victims of the useless and hypocritical war on drugs, poverty and racism. This book like no other proves that racism and oppression is alive and well and living in the United States of America. In a country that says it loves all of her children these children tell and chronicle a very different truth and reality. The writers writing was so objective and so frank that at times I had to put the book down to catch my breath. No made up character, so sugar coating just simple truth about life and living under very trying and oppressive conditions. This book is excellent and should be required reading for every high school child in America, rich, poor, black or white. Great job!!!!

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Summary: Gripping!
Review: I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. This book follows the lives of young brothers, Pharaoh and Lafayette. As the book moves on you get to know the boys and their families better than you would've liked. I say this because of the horrors the children are forced to endure merely because they were born into poverty. Shootings, arrests, drugs, gangs, and unimaginable living conditions are the norm. This book made me greatful that I live where I do, but at the same time enhanced my world view and made me want to change things. If only everyone felt that way, maybe no more children would be forced to live lives such as these boys do. Anyone know what happened to them?

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Summary: In reaction to the people who gave 1 star.
Review: I was truly disturbed to read the comments of the readers who disliked this book. I honestly believe that you are either ignorant on the matter of poverty and drugs in America or that you just don't have a heart. I appologize for making such "ad hoc" statements, but its very disappointing to see someone casually blame the victims in this situation when they don't have any of the facts. To call people in the projects "lazy" and ignorant is not only a terrible stereotype, but also completely wrong. If you would like to see where i'm coming from, either come stay with me in my appartment in North Philly, or read "The Corner" by David Simon and Edward Burns.

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Summary: This book was a joy to read. I hope there will be a sequel.
Review: There are no Children Here was a required book for a child development class I took in college. Once I read the first chapter I couldn't put it down. I feel horrible for all of the children in the world who have to live in such conditions. I am dying to know if there will be a sequel to this book. I yearn to know what happened to this family.