Locomotion

Jacqueline Woodson
49 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel/Book in Verse
Middle Grade
Published in 2003

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Book Brief

Jacqueline Woodson

Locomotion

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

144

Format

Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

African American Literature

•

Children`s Literature
Setting

New York City • 2000s

Theme
Family

•

Race

•

Emotions/Behavior: Courage
Topic
Arts & Culture
First Publication Year

2003

Publisher

Speak

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

NP

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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.

Emotional

Inspirational

Melancholic

Hopeful

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

7,895 ratings

76%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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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.

4.1

7,895 ratings

76%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

A young boy grappling with grief and identity, who uses poetry to process his emotions and experiences. As he navigates life in a new foster home, he begins to embrace a sense of belonging and finds new connections.

Lonnie's strict but caring foster mother, who provides him with a supportive environment. She shows her affection through both actions and words, guiding and nurturing Lonnie as he adjusts to his new life.

Lonnie's supportive teacher, who encourages his writing and creativity. Her positive reinforcement helps Lonnie gain confidence and explore his talents, despite occasional cultural misunderstandings.

Lonnie's younger sister who lives with an adoptive family. She maintains a strong bond with Lonnie, expressing her love and optimism through their shared belief in God and hope for their future.

Book Details
Pages

144

Format

Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction

Genre
Realistic Fiction

•

African American Literature

•

Children`s Literature
Setting

New York City • 2000s

Theme
Family

•

Race

•

Emotions/Behavior: Courage
Topic
Arts & Culture
First Publication Year

2003

Publisher

Speak

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

NP

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