Books with title Locomotion

When he was seven years old, Lonnie Collins Motion's happy life changed forever in one night of fiery terror that killed his parents. Now 11 and separated from his sister Lili - the only family he has left - Lonnie has no way to express the hopelessness he feels. Then his teacher gives him a wonderful gift. Through the many forms of poetry she teaches him, Lonnie is able to put some order to his jumbled feelings about his friends, his new foster mother, and his terrible sense of loss. And through the poetry he writes in his journal, Lonnie creates for himself the most important gift of all, renewed hope. Through 60 poems as diverse in style as they are poignant in their revelation, Coretta Scott King's Award winner Jacqueline Woodson gently unveils a life of pain, sorrow, and surprising possibility.

Grade 4-6; Age 9-11 Twelve-year-old Lonnie is finally starting to feel at home with his foster family. But he still lives apart from his little sister, Lili, so he decides it’s his job to be the “rememberer” — and write down everything that happens while they’re growing up. Lonnie’s reflections in his letters to Lili are bittersweet. He’s happy that they both have good foster families, but while 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 solely 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.

It is the summer of 1869, and trains, crews, and family are traveling together, riding Americas brand-new transcontinental railroad. These pages come alive with the details of the trip and the sounds, speed, and strength of the mighty locomotives; the work that keeps them moving; and the thrill of travel from plains to mountain to ocean. Come hear the hiss of the steam, feel the heat of the engine, watch the landscape race by. Come ride the rails, come cross the young country!