Children's Book Reivew: Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson

Synopsis:  Twelve year old, Lonnie Collins Motion, and his sister Lili are placed into separate foster homes after their parents are killed in a fire.  Lonnie tasks himself with being the "rememberer" and decides to write his sister letters to help them remember what happens while they are apart.  The entire book is in letter format and each letter is written to Lili from Lonnie (aka Locomotion).  The letters are bittersweet as Lonnie writes about the good times he and Lili had with their biological family as well as how much they both love their new foster families.  The book addresses important issues such as loss, family, and peace through Lonnie's insightful reflections about the world around him. 

My Thoughts: This is the second Jacqueline Woodson book I have read (the first being Feathers) and I've decided that I need to read more of her work.  Peace, Locomotion was short but oh, so sweet and Woodson's writing is beautiful.  I feel like she has the ability to get inside each of her characters and really bring them to life. While this is a great read for anyone (young or old), it would be especially appropriate for children who have experienced loss or are in foster care.

Recommended for Grades 4-7.  

Image taken from http://www.jacquelinewoodson.com/mg.shtml.