There Are No Children Here

by

Alex Kotlowitz

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Lelia Mae Anderson Character Analysis

Originally from West Virginia, LaJoe’s mother, Lelia, leaves the South to find a job in Chicago. After moving into the Henry Horner Homes, she is active in the local Democratic Party, but moves out of Horner after LaJoe’s sister is murdered. Paralyzed by a stroke, she then moves back into LaJoe’s apartment but promptly leaves Horner again because of the overcrowded apartment and the neighborhood’s violence.
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Lelia Mae Anderson Character Timeline in There Are No Children Here

The timeline below shows where the character Lelia Mae Anderson appears in There Are No Children Here. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 3
Family, Love, and Care Theme Icon
Persistence, Luck, and Success Theme Icon
...when the buildings were brand new and looked majestic to her. LaJoe’s parents, Roy and Lelia Mae Anderson , had left poverty in the South to find work in Chicago. The two of... (full context)
Chapter 17
Family, Love, and Care Theme Icon
When LaJoe’s mother, Lelia Mae , and Weasel’s girlfriend move into the apartment, it becomes even more overcrowded than it... (full context)
Chapter 19
Family, Love, and Care Theme Icon
Violence and Growing Up Theme Icon
Persistence, Luck, and Success Theme Icon
...keep from banging onto his door. Overwhelmed by the constant activity and violence around her, Lelia Mae decides to move out. A few days later, LaShawn gives birth to her third child,... (full context)