Locomotion Summary
Woodson, Jacqueline

Locomotion Overview

Jacqueline Woodson's Locomotion is the story of Lonnie, a young boy in foster care who is struggling with all aspects of his life. After the death of his parents in a fire, he and his little sister, Lili, have been separated into different foster homes. Their time together is greatly limited, partly because of Lili's foster mother. Lonnie is learning that he has to live up to specific expectations, though they are not always reasonable. He is willing to do whatever it takes to spend more time with Lili. The novel's main themes are the importance of family, mortality, and race.