Locomotion

By: Jacqueline Woodson

ISBN: 978039923155

Bibliography:

Woodson, Jacqueline. 2003. Locomotion. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Plot:

Eleven-year old, Lonnie, continues to struggle to make sense of his life four years after his parents die in a house fire. Separated from his younger sister, Lili, who was adopted by another family, Lonnie struggles to keep what is left of his family together. Finally in a stable foster home, he begins to cope with his grief when he is encouraged by his teacher to write about his feelings.

Analysis:

Woodson masterfully captures our attention by evoking visceral emotions as we experience this journey of loss, grief, survival, and healing along with Lonnie in this beautiful story, which is written entirely in poetic verse. The following touching quote from the book exemplifies the healing power of writing in Lonnie’s life: “Writing makes me remember. It’s like my whole family comes back again when I write. All of them right here like somebody pushed the Rewind button.” This story reflects the theme that Lonnie’s memories are much more powerful than death. Nothing can take the memories that Lonnie has of his mother and father, and he can summon these images at any time. This sends a message of hope to readers. Though we suffer tragedies in our lives, we can still find the strength and will to go on.

Cultural markers evident in this story include: language, names of characters, forms of address, and music. Woodson uses rich language such as cornrows to describe hair and kicks to name shoes. Many of the characters have African-American names such as LaTenya and Lamont, and the young characters use forms of address such as, “Dog”. This language helps create imagery, which immerses us in the culture. An example of another cultural marker is the discussion in Lonnie’s classroom about how hip-hop music is a form of poetry.

The setting of this story encompasses life in the inner city with boys playing "hoops", pigeons nesting on buildings, and bus rides across town. We also become observers in Lonnie's classroom, where his teacher encourages him to "write it down before it leaves your brain". The setting also consists of Lonnie's memories of a happy life with his mother, father, and Lili. These images and memories are described throughout Lonnie's poetry book which is indeed a healing process for him.

Review Excerpts:

Horn Book: “Fifth-grader Lonnie has a teacher who introduces him to poetry and makes him believe in his writing. Woodson, however, more ably convinces us that her protagonist really does have a gift. The sixty poems are skillfully and artfully composed--but still manage to sound fresh and spontaneous. The accessible form will attract readers; Woodson's finely crafted story won't let them go.”

School Library Journal: “The author places the characters in nearly unbearable circumstances, then lets incredible human resiliency shine through. "I sneak a pen from my back pocket/bend down low like I dropped something /The chorus marches up behind the preacher/clapping and humming and getting ready to sing. /I write the word HOPE on my hand.”

Connections:

*Other works by Jacqueline Woodson:

Peace, Locomotion ISBN: 9780142415122

Feathers ISBN: 9780142415504

Hush ISBN: 9780142415511

Miracle Boys ISBN: 9780142415535

After Tupac and D Foster ISBN: 9780142413999

Behind You ISBN: 9780142415542

Between Madison and Palmetto ISBN: 9780698119581

The Dear One ISBN: 9780142501900

*This book could be used to introduce different forms of poetry to students.