"There Are No Children Here" is a non-fiction book by Alex Kotlowitz, published in 1991. The book follows the lives of two African American brothers, Lafeyette and Pharoah Rivers, as they grow up in the Henry Horner Homes, a public housing project in Chicago. Kotlowitz spent two years getting to know the Rivers family and other residents of the housing project, documenting their struggles with poverty, violence, and systemic injustice. The title of the book reflects the grim reality faced by many children growing up in impoverished urban environments, where their innocence is often shattered by the harsh realities of their surroundings. Throughout the narrative, Kotlowitz explores themes of race, poverty, education, and the failures of the social welfare system in addressing the needs of marginalized communities. "There Are No Children Here" received critical acclaim for its powerful portrayal of the challenges faced by inner-city youth and families, shedding light on the human impact of urban decay and societal neglect. The book was later adapted into a television movie and has continued to be studied in schools and universities for its insight into issues of social justice and urban inequality.
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