49 pages 1 hour read

Jacqueline Woodson

Locomotion

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Middle Grade | Published in 2003

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson follows 11-year-old Lonnie Collins Motion, nicknamed Locomotion, as he navigates life after losing his parents in a fire and being separated from his sister, who was adopted. Through the guidance of his teacher, Ms. Marcus, Lonnie turns to poetry to express his grief and gradually finds joy and meaning in his foster home with Miss Edna, culminating in a hopeful outlook on his future. The book depicts racism and racist stereotypes.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson has received widespread acclaim for its powerful prose and emotional depth. Critics praise its engaging verse narrative and authentic portrayal of a young boy's struggle with grief and identity. Some mention that the poetry format may not appeal to all readers. Overall, it is celebrated for its poignant storytelling and character development.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Locomotion?

Readers who enjoy heartfelt, lyrical narratives will appreciate Jacqueline Woodson's Locomotion. Fans of Sharon Creech's Love That Dog or Kwame Alexander's The Crossover will resonate with its poetic form and emotional depth, exploring themes of family, resilience, and self-discovery.

Recommended

Reading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

NP

Book Details

Genre

Realistic Fiction

African American Literature

Children's Literature

Themes

Relationships: Family

Identity: Race

Emotions/Behavior: Courage

Topics

Arts / Culture