Peace, Locomotion

Peace, Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson (NY: GP Putnam's Sons, 2009).

Touching epistolary novel about a 12-year-old boy named Lonnie Collins Motion, aka the eponymous Locomotion, who is writing letters to his younger sister as a way of maintaining family connections. They are living in separate foster homes after their parents' death in a fire and Lonnie explores the nature of remembering in his missives as well as detailing his new life with his foster mother Miss Edna and his foster brother, an aspiring teacher who has moved back home. A second brother returns home wounded from a lengthy tour of duty in Iraq. Beautiful exploration of love and relationships and the changes people must endure. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up. Good for boys, high/low readers.