Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson

“Yeah, I think Peace Can Happen.”

After his parents die in a house fire, twelve-year-old Lonnie, also known as Locomotion, is separated from his younger sister Lilli when they are placed in different foster homes. Although he loves his foster family and feels at home with them, he terribly misses Lilli. In an effort to remember the past, he deems himself the “rememberer” and writes letters to Lilli with memories of life when their parents were alive and what happens while they are growing up. His letters are poignant and insightful, especially when he talks about his foster brother, who lost his legs while fighting in the Iraq war. Locomotion ponders peace and love, family and loss. This book is sure to touch all who read it and clearly demonstrates why Jacqueline Woodson is an award-winner children and young adult author. She deftly tackles heavy issues without trivializing them and maintains genuineness and sensitivity. If you have not already done so, I highly recommend reading the companion novel, Locomotion.