Locomotion — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
Told entirely through Lonnie's poetry, we see his heartbreak over his lost family, his thoughtful perspective on the world around him, and most of all his love for Lili and his determination to one day put at least half of their family back together. Jacqueline Woodson's poignant story of love, loss, and hope is lyrically written and enormously accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Is Locomotion appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book does not contain explicit violence. It addresses themes of loss and trauma, including a house fire that killed the protagonist's parents, but this is presented in a sensitive manner appropriate for the target audience. There are no genuinely frightening elements in 'Locomotion'. The story deals with serious themes but does so in a way that is accessible and appropriate for children.
Does Locomotion have violence?
The book does not contain explicit violence. It addresses themes of loss and trauma, including a house fire that killed the protagonist's parents, but this is presented in a sensitive manner appropriate for the target audience.
Does Locomotion have scary content?
There are no genuinely frightening elements in 'Locomotion'. The story deals with serious themes but does so in a way that is accessible and appropriate for children.
Does Locomotion have religious themes?
No religious content is present in the book itself. Although some reviews mention themes of spirituality, they do not indicate specific religious practices or beliefs within the narrative of 'Locomotion'.
Does Locomotion have racial/cultural content?
'Locomotion' addresses issues of race and racism as it explores the protagonist's life experiences, including his family's struggles and the impact of poverty and discrimination. These themes are central to the narrative and are presented through the lens of the protagonist's perspective.
Does Locomotion have profanity?
The book does not contain profanity. Jacqueline Woodson is noted for using very few curse words in her writing, and 'Locomotion' maintains an appropriate language level for its intended audience.
Does Locomotion have climate change?
There are no climate-related themes in 'Locomotion'. The story is centered around personal and familial experiences rather than environmental issues.
Does Locomotion have sexual identity?
There is no sexual content in 'Locomotion'. The narrative focuses on the protagonist's experiences and emotions rather than any sexual themes or situations.
Does Locomotion have gender roles?
The book does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. While it features a male protagonist, the narrative does not focus on traditional or modern gender expectations.
Does Locomotion have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes are explicitly present in the book 'Locomotion'. While Jacqueline Woodson has written about diverse families and identities in her works, the specific content of 'Locomotion' does not focus on LGBTQ+ topics.
