"There Are No Children Here" by Alex Kotiowitz

"A World Not Seen By Many"  4 stars
There Are No Children Here is an extraordinary book about living in the projects of Chicago.  This book is dated since this project got knocked down years ago, but it does not make the story any less relevant.  It's about two boys, Lafeyette and Pharoah, and their families living day to day just trying to survive.  You get into this story quick and stay there.  It's a good read.  I recommend it.

Gerard's review 7/22/08)

Excellent book. It was required reading when I was in college. I wish all teacher ed. programs mandated such reading.

By twistedteacher on July 23, 2008 14:39

"Somebody Else's Kids" by Torey Hayden

I liked Somebody Else's Kids by Torey Hayden because it was pretty amusing but yet sad too when you realize that this isn't fiction. Claude was a pregnant 12 yr. old who ended up giving her baby up for adoption and becoming valedictorian of her class. Lori had some brain damage so couldn’t read but a warm heart. Boo was autistic and would take of his clothes and flap around. Tomaso was violent because was angry his dad died and had to be in foster homes but was intelligent. Acted tough but showed concern for other kids, especially Lori. Lori got stuffed bear for Tomaso for his birthday and he tore it up but then had Torey sew it back up. This is a touching book.
(Karen's review 10/05)

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"The Gamble" by LaVyrle Spencer

In "The Gamble" by LaVyrle Spencer, a western town with saloon owner (Scott) and temperance movement president (Agatha/Gussie) falling in love after being drawn together by an orphan (Willy). Scott got Willy a cat he named “Moose.” Saloon owner left to go back to his plantation and sent for the woman he fell in love with. He also had very colorful friends, former prostitutes who became dancing girls in the saloon and moved with him to the plantation to help him get it in shape to use as a bed & breakfast place.

I liked this book because there was a lot of subplots going on besides just the romance and it held my attention.  There was humor in this too which always makes for an enjoyable read.




(Karen's review 10/02)

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"One Child" and "The Tiger's Child" by Torey Hayden

One Child by Torey Hayden is very interesting, but also very sad.  It is about Shelia, a bright 6-year-old girl who tied up a 4-year-old and set him on fire and was put in Torey’s “crazy kid” class until a space opened up in the State mental hospital for her. She had a high IQ, was a bed wetter, had an abusive, alcoholic father and was abandoned on a freeway by her mother who kept her younger brother. She was quite a terror, but Tory “tamed” her and became very attached to her. She was cut bad by her uncle who raped her and was in the hospital for a month. She was able to enter regular classes again. Very good book, but left you wondering what happened to Sheila. (The Tiger’s Child is the sequel)

The Tiger’s Child by Torey Hayden

(Sequel to One Child)

Very good about Shelia as a teenager and how she had blocked a lot of her childhood out. Her memories came back the more she talked with Torey. Became a manager of McDonalds which disappointed Torey. Mixed up Torey with her mom who abandoned her at one point. Also worked with Torey with some disturbed kids which was good for awhile.
(Karen's review 10/05)

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"Not Without Hope" by Nick Schyler and Jere Longman

Not Without Hope by Nick Schyler and Jere Longman is an amazing story! One day four buddies went out for a fishing trip. The four were Marquis Cooper, Will Bleakley, Corey Smith and Nick Schuyler. Only Nick survived and this is his story. What a tragic tale it is. I kept thinking of what these guys went through and their family and friends when the boat was finally discovered. The writing is awesome. You get the feeling you are right there. It’s a wonder Nick made it. If you think you can handle it, this is a very good book to read. I can’t say I enjoyed it because of the content, but I’m glad I read it.

(Gerard's review 3/23/10)

Please tell us: What categories of literature do you like? What are you reading now? Who are your top five favorite authors? Have you read this one? What did you think of it?