There Are No Children Here Essay

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While reading the book There Are No Children Here by Alex Kotlowitz, I got an insight on what it is like to live in a high poverty, drug involved, gang controlled community. The book is based in Chicago, Illinois. Throughout the book I followed two brothers, Lafayette and Pharoah Rivers, and their journey as they grew up in a rough neighborhood. They lived in a small apartment that often housed 10-12 people. The boys’ father was not present, and their mother heavily relied on them, especially the older brother, Lafayette, to help take care of their siblings and herself. What shocked me most about the stories revealed in this book is what the kids, who are living in these dangerous areas, consider normal. They have been exposed to gun fights and unnecessary violence all of their life. Many people, including myself, picture America as a place of safety and freedom. Yes, …show more content…
We would go to Garrett's Popcorn, which was mentioned in the book, as well as, the American Girl Doll store. When I think of Chicago, what was described throughout the book was the last thing that I would have pictured. I know gangs are present and there is unnecessary violence and drug usage all over, but I never really thought of it as being a normal reality that could happen right in front of your eyes. On the cover of the book, there is a quote that reads “The story of two boys growing up in the other America.” This is such powerful quote because it is so true. The people that live amongst the gangs, drugs, and bad behavior do not live in the same America as someone who is living in a safe community. Comparing different lifestyles and daily norms was really interesting to do throughout the book. It gave me perspective, and it also opened my eyes to what an ordinary day is like for other
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