Locomotion

Citation Information Woodson, Jacqueline. 2003. Locomotion. New York, NY: Penguin Group. ISBN: 0-14240144-8

Plot Summary Lonnie Collins Motion has been through a lot. He's lost his parents in a horrible fire. He also lost his sister to the world of social services. Everything is just as horrible as it can be until he is introduced to poetry and its' different forms. His teacher Mrs. Marcus has taught him a different way to express himself that he really enjoys. This is especially important to Lonnie because he doesn't have a lot of joy with his foster mother Miss Edna. In the end the poetry helps Lonnie work through some issues he has, to see that the world is not as bad as it seems.

Critical AnalysisJacqueline Woodson captures the true essence of a troubled inner city youth. The beginning of the book begins with a great explanation of why the poem book even exists. It is told in first person so the reader feels instantly connected with Lonnie. It is a thorough description of Lonnie's' life. While discussing his current daily situations Woods gives the reader descriptive insight of Lonnie's' previous life before his parents perished in the fire. She gives us details that are crucial in understanding his dilemma. Details such as him remembering the smell of his mother (honeysuckle talc powder) and conversations he and his mother as to why he was named Lonnie Collins Motion, aka Locomotion are heartfelt and meaningful. The reader in informed of Lonnie's mentality early. Woodson subtly places clues of the racism that Lonnie and his friends must endure. This is realistic and young black youth can relate to this. How does Ms. Marcus and her white skin know what I am going through? But her persistence in having Lonnie write down his thoughts shows her to be caring even if she doesn't understand him thoroughly. His foster mother Miss Edna seemingly has many issues of her own too. Both of her biological boys are away, one is serving in the military, and the other is upstate. Woodson, does not make it clear if he was incarcerated or just living upstate. This is one of the great edges of her writing. She leaves the reader interested in Rodney and what his relationship is with Lonnie. Rodney's relationship with Lonnie in the end is just what both Lonnie and Miss Edna needed. Woodson did an excellent job climaxing the reader to an ending that wasn't seen in the beginning. Tying up the loose ends with his sister Lily was the ending that we were all waiting for. Woodson's journey through the mind of a black male was incredible. Often black youth are placed within the foster system and forgotten about. In this instance instead of letting Lonnie and Lily become victims. Woodson has them as the victors. Losing and gaining is a large part of the African American experience and she did a good job explaining it to the reader.

Review Excerpts From Publishers Weekly… The kinetic energy of the aptly named Locomotion (the nickname of Lonnie Collins Motion) permeates the 60 poems that tell his sad yet hopeful story. Lonnie's first poem sets up a conflict familiar to anyone who has attempted creativity: despite the cheering of his teacher, Ms. Marcus ("Write it down before it leaves your brain," she says), as he begins to write, Lonnie hears the critical voice of his foster mother ("It's Miss Edna's over and over/ Be quiet!"). As Lonnie explores poetry's various forms throughout this brief yet poignant and occasionally humorous volume, he also reveals Miss Edna's kindness toward him in the little things she says…

Booklist states, The framework of the story is fairy-tale idyllic--perfect family before the fire; happy-ever-after foster family by the end of the book--but the poetry is simple and immediate, true to the voice of the lost kid who finds himself with caring people and with words. The line breaks make for very easy reading, and Lonnie talks about those line breaks and about poetry forms, making this ideal for use in classrooms where students are reading and writing poetry. From rap to haiku, Woodson shows and tells that poetry is about who we are. Connections Weitzman, Elizabeth. Let's Talk About Foster Homes (The Let's Talk Library).ISBN: 82392310

Blomquist, Geraldine M., Paul B. Blomquist, and Margo Lemieux. Zachary's New Home: A Story for Foster and Adopted Children. ISBN: 36809378

Aberjhani. I Made My Boy Out of Poetry: Poems, Stories, Dreams & Sho 'Nuff Truths. ISBN: 0966235657

Dyan, Penelope. For Boys Only! No Girls Allowed! ISBN: 0976841711