Different Worlds of Black Girl Lost and Baby of the Family Although African Americans are considered minorities in the United States, not all live in poverty. Many African Americans live in a middle class society alongside the dominant culture. However, many African Americans do not live in a middle-class society, but rather live in poverty and must suffer along with this poverty. For example, Black Girl Lost by Donald Goines and Baby of the Family by Tina McElroy Ansa, two narrative novels, which illustrate the difference in the lives of two young African American girls and the society in which they live. These young African American girls not only represent the two sides of poverty, but they also represent how children can also fall into the minority category. For example, Sandra lives in a dilapidated apartment with a drunk mother who could care less about her daughter. Furthermore, Sandra remains alone and must find a way to survive every day. But on the other hand, Lena lives in a good-sized house with her two parents, her two brothers and her grandmother, who love her very much. Additionally, Lena has many family members who care about her and take special care of her because she is the baby of the family. Although both Sandra and Lena lead very different lives, they both face challenges as a minority and as children who question their outlook on life. The house where a child lives should be a place of warmth, love and protection. A home also offers other important aspects in a child's life, such as self-confidence, pride and security. If a child does not reside in a home that offers him warmth, love and protection, he will not feel good about himself or the home in which he lives. A child wants a house that he can be proud of enough to bring home a friend or two. Furthermore, if a child does not feel safe and secure in his home, he will not possess these qualities in the outside world. Furthermore, their lack of security can cause serious disruptions and distractions in their daily routine, as in Sandra's case. For example, the houses that Lena and Sandra live in illustrate the exact opposite of each other.