Peace, Locomotion

Twelve-year-old Lonnie Collins Motion writes letters to his sister Lili while they live apart in separate foster homes. Through his correspondence, he documents his daily experiences at school, his relationships with his foster family, and his ongoing efforts to stay connected with Lili. The story takes place against the backdrop of war, as Lonnie processes news about his foster brother's military deployment. He practices writing poetry, records observations about his neighborhood in Brooklyn, and navigates the complex dynamics of his expanded family situation. Lonnie's voice emerges through letters and memories as he works to define concepts like peace, family, and home. His reflections on war and separation intertwine with smaller moments of connection and hope, painting a portrait of resilience and growth in times of uncertainty.

Readers describe Peace, Locomotion as a thoughtful exploration of family, loss, and hope through letters written by a 12-year-old boy. The poetic writing style and authentic voice of the young protagonist resonates with both adult and youth readers. Readers appreciated: - The realistic portrayal of foster care experiences - Complex emotional themes handled in an age-appropriate way - Strong character development - Effective use of letter-writing format Common criticisms: - Plot moves slowly for some readers - Less engaging than the prequel "Locomotion" - Some found the ending abrupt Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (50+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 One teacher reviewer noted: "My students connected deeply with Lonnie's letters to his sister." Several readers mentioned the book prompted meaningful discussions about family separation and the impact of war.

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★ Jacqueline Woodson wrote this book as a companion to her earlier novel "Locomotion," continuing the story of young Lonnie Collins Motion through his letters to his sister. ★ The author drew inspiration from her own experiences growing up in Brooklyn and witnessing the impact of the Vietnam War on families in her community. ★ The book explores themes of family separation through the unique format of letters, reflecting how many children in foster care maintain connections with siblings through written correspondence. ★ Peace, Locomotion was named an ALA Notable Children's Book and received the Jane Addams Children's Book Award Honor in 2010. ★ While the story deals with serious topics like war and foster care, Woodson intentionally wove hope throughout the narrative, particularly through Lonnie's determination to become a poet and his definition of peace.