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

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Summary: A heart-wrenching, real-life depiction of urban youth
Review: This book is a must read for all that have ever worked with, seen, or even wondered about the problems of inner city families and youth. It is a shocking and masterful depiction of the plight of urban youth. Kotlowitz does not force his judgements on the readers. Rather, he sets out all of the information and lets the reader decipher and digest it. The reader makes and draws the conclusions himself. It exposes a new side of the problems we see everyday in the forgotten urban America. It provides a perspective of inner city youth that has been long overdue. "There Are No Children Here" provides the reader with the whole picture, not just a negative 30 second news bit.

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Summary: Great book, especially for high schoolers
Review: I am a senior in an affluent high school suburb and read this book for school. It really brings about an insight otherwise not known to many people. We realize the travasties and harsh conditions many children deal with each and every day. Every kid in America should read this book.

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Summary: This is the language of the heart
Review: Rarely do we have such a despairing story told with such eloquence. Kotlowitz deserves praise for his ability to give so generously of himself with language. The life of the Rivers' family continues to haunt me these many years since I first read about them. This is a sustained labor of love.

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Summary: MY FAVORITE NON-FICTION BOOK EVER
Review: I have read this book from cover to cover twice and will surely read it again some day. It should be mandatory reading in high schools throughout this country, particularly in wealthy communities. Believe me, I am no bleeding-heart liberal, but the conditions these boys and their family had to live under should not be tolerated in a country of such wealth. The story is not without spirit and happiness, though, mainly because of the endless efforts of LaJoe, Pharoah and Lafayette's mother. I did find myself wishing that she wouldn't be so kind to every person who crossed her path, however, (the scene where the male relative pees his pants in the middle of Pharoah's party comes to mind). The is the best non-fiction book I have ever read, filled with wonderful details of daily life in the projects ( I loved LaJoe's grocery list!). Everyone should read this book!

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Summary: An honest look at two boys' lives in the projects
Review: This book tells us the story of two young boys growing up in the projects of a Chicago suburb. Although their way of life is a world away from many of us, they are often our neighbors. We are given a glimpse into their daily tribulations, fears, obstacles, as well as the simple joys of life that many of us often take for granted. This true story gives those of us who don't live in poverty a realistic and touching look at a side of life we rarely see and often try to ignore. Far from a sacharrine, juiced-up bit of "growin' up in the hood," it's an important tale anyone living in America needs to understand, regardless of your ethnicity, gender or social status. It is truly a story that will touch your heart, grasp your attention and open your eyes.

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Summary: Very Descriptive!
Review: Kotlowitz writes so dramatic in telling us how the other half of the world lives! The story of how the two boys:Lafayette and Pharoah grow up is so detailed and so touching. How everyday something bad happens, or someone gets killed. A very true realization on how people attend a funeral more likely than they attend a wedding out there. I definately recommend adults as well as children to read this story. It gives you a real feeling for the unfortunate neighborhood.

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Summary: A MUST READ FOR ANYONE!!!!
Review: I'm 16 years old and read this book when I was 14. I remember this book so well as if I just read it yesturday. No matter what your age is, you have to read it. I strongly believe that I am a different person because of this book. It changes your life and how you view it. Please, share this book with your children and your grandchildren. Yes, there are parts where it may not be appropriate for a younger child. However, please share this book because it's more than another story, but an experience

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Summary: My favorite book.
Review: There Are No Children Here is a moving & educational book about 2 boys growing up in inner-city Chicago. Kotlowitz's communication of these boys' story helps those on the outside of this world take a glimpse into its hellish reality

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Summary: A MUST READ FOR ALL ,ESPECIALLY POLICY MAKERS.
Review: I read this book just after it was published and without a doubt it is among the very best. I liked the book not just because of Alex's fine writing but because of the two brave kids who are trying to make something of themselves in this very individualistic society that we live in. It is a book that will make one look inside his or her own soul. It may lead one to question his or her own deep seated beliefs and clear a lot of myth. Every american should read this book and ask themselves this question "Do we as a nation value kids and believe that they are our future? If the answer is " yes", think of doing anything and everything to solve this very unfortunate situation. If we allow this to continue in America, how can we morally ask poorer nations to do a better job with their kids

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Summary: I'm begging you, you gotta read this book!
Review: I hate to make such a sweeping statement as "Everyone in America should read this book!" because it seems presumptious. But, Everyone in America should read this book! Alex Kotlowitz's nonfiction account of two boys will make you happy and sad, uplifted and, in parts, damn angry. And though it could be viewed as a call to action, Kotlowitz does not preach. He tells a story, asking for responsibility from SOMEONE, but rarely does he point fingers. This is a book people will be studying many years from now, wondering how a supposedly great country lets people live the way the Rivers family does. But don't simply read it for its social value. Take pleasure in the simple story of two ordinary boys, beaten down by their oppressive surroundings, yet managing to make most of us look bad by virtue of their simple humanity.