Locomotion

This ‘poem book’ consists of a series of relaxed, conversational poems in which the central character, 11-year-old African American Lonnie, takes a wry, sardonic look at himself and his new life. Having lost both his parents in tragic circumstances, Lonnie’s world is now dominated by two women – Miss Edna his foster mother (elderly by the sound of it) and his teacher Miss Marcus who encourages him in his poetry writing. The unflagging good humour of the poems cannot mask their underlying poignancy, and the result is an entertaining and satisfying read. This book can virtually double as a poetry writing manual as it’s shot through with Miss Marcus’ sound advice to Lonnie on the subject.