The story is about a boy who is going through life, after he has lost his parents in a fire. He is in fifth grade, and he writes down his feelings in the form of poetry. You read his words and learn about his world. He writes about many things, like memories of his mother, singing the song "Locomotion" and laughing and dancing with him. This is the song he was named after. He also has memories of the fire, and knowing his parents were in the burning house, but there was nothing they could do. Now he lives with a nice older lady who has sons that are grown up and out of the house. He has a nice place to live, but he misses his little sister. She lives with another woman, so they only get to see each other once in a while. When he is with his sister he feels very happy, so he tries to always leave a good impression with her new family when they meet. He knows that if he is a good person, he will be able to continue to see his sister, and have her as family.
Locomotion has an influential teacher, who inspires him to write. Sometimes at school life is complicated; friends, memories of his family, girls and writing shape his days and what he writes about. Although he is facing challenges in life, it is clear that he is an intelligent, strong person, and he will get through it all.
This is a great book for boys and girls to read, although it is from the perspective of a young African American boy. It shows that people from all backgrounds use writing as a method to cope with grief and loss, and it can be a tool for overcoming obstacles in life. Although it deals with some serious life issues, it is still very uplifting. It is a powerful novel dealing with serious issues, which is why the main character will touch your heart and make a lasting impression.
---Jana Kania, ERDL 524
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