Narrative Review
Since I joined school, I have never liked reading books. First, I was slow at reading and books did not interest me. There Are No Children Here is an awesome book to read. The book is easy to read, and its ideas are presented in an easy to understand the matter. Reading about these two boys in a novel and their family was an awesome experience for me. The hardships the family went through are unbelievable. It is inspiring reflecting on how they faced being in poverty /being on welfare, dealing with all their family issues and being black in the inner city of Chicago when people are still racists and have no love or feeling for those people. The book has thought me the hardships that families go through and the racism that is still inherent in our social setting. This reflects on my personal life of how I have persistently handled personal misunderstandings with my friends and family members. Just like a family in the novel, I never gave up but instead gave my best to keep going.
Reading There Are No Children Here reflecting on my personal experience, I felt bad for LaJoe because she was doing everything possible to protect and provide for the family but nothing ever seemed to work, she was also dealing with a drug addict ex-husband. Personally, if I were in Lajoe’s situation, I would probably be cracking under the pressure because I would also want the best for my kids. The book relates to the poverty, education, religion, social stratification and social class. These are contemporary issues in the modern society. However, reading the book, I have learnt how effectively to handle racism, social stratification, and among others. Lajoe in specific has thought me how not to give up for the ones we love and always protecting them.
There Are No Children Here brings into limelight the dark side of the American society. The book mentions that children as young as 13 years old are engaged in gang membership; violence and drugs dealing. Through the novel am able to understand the causes of the domestic violence. Kotlowitz points out that young people deprived of their innocence by their social environment. The novel has made me understand that young people’s attitudes can be molded by the violence that they encounter in their daily lives. Any fear of committing crimes is replaced by their desire of maintaining their safety and fulfilling their needs.
The story has also thought me that children could succeed if they are given the chance. Pharaoh, for instance, exemplifies this by excelling when given the opportunity to study. I belief that every child if given the right environment and opportunity can excel in studies. The book further highlights the gross violations of the human rights (depriving youths of the successful futures). The city officials, for instance, are involved in corruption activities. The book gives an insight of how corruption is inherent in our societies. Additionally, I am made to understand that corruption is the one to blame for the horrendous living conditions in our social settings.
Lafeyette actions of breaking into the truck near the stadium and stealing some goods, along with other boys is something that I highly condemn. Though Lafeyette claims that he did not know the boys and that he was walking by at the time the incident happened, he is given one-year probation in addition to 100 hours of community service at Boys Club. This has thought me to understand the consequences of our actions. However, I partly blame Paul for this because he was not a responsible father. A responsible family starts with the parents, and it is clear that Paul has not done his part. The novel thereby helps me reflects on one of the causes of family disintegration or irresponsible children. I have learnt how parents can negatively affect the children with their irresponsible manner.
Character Assessment
Pharaoh Rivers is nine years old when the story starts in the summer of 1987. Though he has undergone several hardships such as gun battles, poverty and among others, he has not lost the focus in his life. People as Pharaoh gives me hope that all is not lost even in the most challenging and difficult situations. His determination in life is one that can embrace even in trying times. The determination is evident especially when he even gets lost in daytime dreams about his future.
Pharaoh is one of the ever-changing characters in the novel. He has worked hard to overcome his lisp and transformed himself into a confident person. This exemplary character is working hard into transforming his weaknesses into strengths. He evolves from being a very shy person who has problems in expressing his ideas into becoming the most confident person. His ever-changing character is further highlighted in the way he works hard to improve his underwriting. Kids as pharaoh, therefore, gives me hope that one can overcome his weaknesses. Throughout the novel, Pharaoh is evolving into the most complete person thereby giving hope to his family.
Pharaoh’s intelligence is exemplary. Though born in a poor family, the poverty did not hinder him from exploiting his intelligence. His mother believes that Pharaoh has a bright future in life. People like Pharaoh teach me that even when the poor are given equal opportunity in life they can excel. Pharaoh is a good example for children to copy. Though the harsh environment stands between him and his dream, he does not allow it to drive him away from his dreams. He spends most of the time studying in his room.
Pharaoh is a thoughtful and introspective child that tries at all costs to avoid violence and bad company. He believes that friends “will “turn you down for anything.” Pharaoh, therefore, decides that in order for him to excel in life he must try to avoid bad companies. Pharaoh’s obedience, honesty and hardworking are the basic ingredients that every child needs to succeed in life. Despite his father not supporting them, Pharaoh still shows love to him. Through Pharaoh am able to learn that we must show love to our loved ones and forgive them even if they have wronged us.
Throughout the book, Pharaoh tells his mother that he is too young to comprehend what is going on around him. However, he is aware of the consequences of poverty, and crime that even most adults in the community do not understand. It is these challenges that make Pharaoh work hard in order to avoid them. Pharaoh’s understanding of the predicament that surrounds him highlights his ability to understand things that even adults cannot comprehend well. Kids like him teach me that one can be able to withstand harsh conditions to succeed. He highlights that crime and poverty must be fought through hardworking, honesty, determination, and obedience. His actions throughout the novel underline his willingness to succeed in life.
Work Cited
Kotlowitz, Alex. There Are No Children Here: The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in the Other America. New York: Anchor Books, 1992. Print.
