Locomotion (2003)

Powerful poetic storytelling about Lonnie, just after he loses his parents in a fire, and his sister to another foster family. ( )

Since I'm not the intended audience (age 10 ), I don't feel the need to give this a star rating.

This book, like all Jacqueline Woodson's books, is beautiful in prose and heavy in subject. I recommend her poetry to anyone no matter what age.

Each poem is like a vignette that gives the reader a glimpse into the life of Lonnie - Locomotion. Some of the poems are sweet. Some evoke tears. And some, ask for contemplation. It’s the type of book that does not take time to read, and in part because of that, feels like it is meant to be revisited. Just as you would take time to revisit the memory of a friend, maybe. ( )

Using verse poetry introduced to him by a beloved teacher, Lonnie C. Motion tells of love, loss, and continuing on after his world is rocked by tragedy. Locomotion is urban poetry for youth at its best. ( )

I really enjoyed this book. It was very well written and I liked that it was told from the perspective of a young boy. Lonnie is dealing with the loss of his family and adjusting to life in foster care. I didn't like the way the book ended, it seemed very abrupt and it left quite a few questions unanswered. Overall it was a very good, quick read. ( )