Review: "Locomotion" by Jacqueline Woodson

"When Miss Edna's voice comes on, the ideas in my
Head go out like a candle and all you see left is this little
String of smoke that disappears real quick
Before I even have a chance to find out
what it's trying to say.

Write fast, Lonnie, Ms. Marcus says
And I"m thinking Yeah, I better write fast before Miss
Edna's voice comes on and blows my candle idea out."

In "Locomotion" by Jacqueline Woodson, follow the journey of a young boy trying to find his voice. Ever since his parents died in a house fire when he was seven, Lonnie, a.k.a. Locomotion, has known his worth. Put in a group home and separated from his little sister, Lonnie learns, "Don't do this and don't do that. You are a Throwaway Boy." Then there's his foster mother, Miss Edna, who provides a better living space but also tells him, "Be quiet! Shh, Lonnie! Children should be seen but not heard." It's not until his teacher Ms. Marcus encourages him to put his thoughts on paper that he is able to break through his learned silence, expressing his loneliness and grief, what he notices about wealth and race, and even more everyday challenges like the new boy who's teased and finding out his friend has a serious disease. Writing becomes a way for Lonnie to not only work through his feelings but also to recognize and celebrate the good in his life. Told in simple but beautifully stated rhythmic verse, "Locomotion" by Jacqueline Woodson is a quick read for anyone struggling to find their voice. Recommended for readers age ten and up. Click on the link above to reserve a copy today.

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