There Are No Children Here chronicles two years in the lives of two boys, Lafeyette and Pharoah, struggling to survive in Chicago’s Henry Horner Homes, a public housing complex disfigured by crime and neglect. The book which became a national bestseller was chosen by the New York Public Library as one of the 150 most important books of the century. In 1993, it was made into a television movie (for ABC), produced by and starring Oprah Winfrey.

“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

“In chronicling the lives of two brothers in the Henry Horner projects, Kotlowitz has achieved a triumph of empathy as well as a signficant feat of reporting.” – Los Angeles Times

“Amid the darkness and ever-present despair, Kotlowitz beautifully captures the moments of brightness and hope. Easily could become the 1990s equivalent of Michael Harrington’s The Other America.” – San Francisco Chronicle

“A powerful argument against the politics of inertia, hopelessness, and greed, and for a real war on poverty, violence, and racism in our country.” – Tracy Kidder

“This is without a doubt one of the most important books to be published in the last ten years.” – Claude Brown

“Alex Kotlowitz joins the ranks of the important few writers on the subject of urban poverty.” – Chicago Tribune

“An extraordinary glimpse into the lives of those struggling for survival and dignity in inner-city America.” – Chicago Sun-Times