Review of Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson

Twelve-year-old Lonnie is finally feeling at home with his foster family. But because he's living apart from his little sister, Lili, he decides it's his job to be the “rememberer”—and write down everything that happens while they're growing up. Lonnie's musings are bittersweet; he's happy that he and Lili have new families, but though his new family brings him joy, it also brings new worries. With a foster brother in the army, concepts like Peace have new meaning for Lonnie. Told through letters from Lonnie to Lili, this thought-provoking companion to Jacqueline Woodson's National Book Award finalist Locomotion tackles important issues in captivating, lyrical language. Lonnie's reflections on family, loss, love and peace will strike a note with readers of all ages.

Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson is an epistolatory novel, meaning it’s written in letter form, told through the letters of twelve year old Lonnie Collins Motion to his sister Lili. Basically, Lonnie and his sister are in foster care, but with two different families, and Lonnie feels he must write a letter to his sister every day they are in foster care so they can remember the stage in their life, he doesn’t send the letters though, choosing to save them for when they get out of foster care.

Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson is a beautifully written novel, often poignant and honest as we view Lonnie’s coming of age through his own eyes. I believe the book is set in current-day. The letters don’t have a date on them, but there is much mention of war and peace. Peace, Locomotion mentions how there hasn’t been a draft yet, but states how it could occur. Overall, though Lonnie firmly wishes for peace and happiness, which echo throughout most of his letters. I guess, I felt a sort of serenity while reading Peace, Locomotion, as Lonnie’s voice is a very calm voice, perhaps a bit wise for his 12 years.

If you do decide to pick up Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson you will probably finish it in one day. The letters are easy to read, the pacing is quick. Also, it’s 136 pages with somewhat large type. I know I just zoomed through this. Also, there is a book which comes before Peace, Locomotion, simply called Locomotion. I have not read it, and I didn’t feel lost at all while reading Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson Obviously reading the previous book will only enhance your reading experience, but in this case Peace, Locomotion is a good read regardless of whether you read Locomotion or not.

Finally, there were a few quotes which resonated with me:

“Lili, when things don’t go right in our house, Miss Edna says Sometimes the heart breaks so hard, Lonnie. That’s what I was feeling like. Like my heart was breaking–real hard.” pg. 27

“That’s the thing about people dying, Lili. You have all these frozen memories in your head and the longer they stay dead, the more your memory gets all gray–like I don’t know if we ever really all sat together up on a roof somewhere or not. I just know when I’m sitting there by myself, a part of me just gets all these pictures in my head–like a movie or something.” -pg. 72

“You know what? There’s peace in your music, Lili. When the organ guy was playing real soft and the choir was just swaying and humming and that beautiful light was coming into the church from the yellow windows, I just sat there smiling because it was like somebody had floated over and pulled warm covers over me.” pg. 79

Other Reviews of Peace Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson:

Book Nut
Becky’s Book Reviews
Po(SEY) Sessions
MAW Books
Pop Culture Junkie

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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