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  • There Are No Children Here

  • The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in the Other America
  • Written by: Alex Kotlowitz
  • Narrated by: Dion Graham
  • Length: 10 hrs and 41 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (9 ratings)

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There Are No Children Here cover art

There Are No Children Here

Written by: Alex Kotlowitz
Narrated by: Dion Graham
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Publisher's Summary

This New York Public Library selection, as one of the 150 most important books of the 20th century, is a true-life portrait of growing up in the Chicago projects.

This national best-seller chronicles the true story of two brothers coming of age in the Henry Horner public housing complex in Chicago. Lafeyette and Pharoah Rivers are 11 and nine years old when the story begins in the summer of 1987. Living with their mother and six siblings, they struggle against grinding poverty, gun violence, gang influences, overzealous police officers, and overburdened and neglectful bureaucracies. Immersed in their lives for two years, Kotlowitz brings us this classic rendering of growing up poor in America’s cities.
©1991 Alex Kotlowitz (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Social Sciences Children's Studies Sociology Biographies & Memoirs Education United States
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What the critics say

“A triumph of empathy as well as a significant feat of reporting.” ( Los Angeles Times)
“Alex Kotlowitz’s story informs the heart. His meticulous portrait of the two boys in a Chicago Housing project shows how much heroism is required to survive, let alone escape.” ( New York Times)

What listeners say about There Are No Children Here

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Profile Image for rmack

Too Involved?

The author said he could be accused of being "too involved" with the family. I fail to see how a journalist could not be profoundly moved by the circumstances of these peoples lives.

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Profile Image for christine colucci

Excellent Account of the Children’s Struggles

I felt such admiration for the children who strived to be so good when faced with such obstacles and horrific circumstances.

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