Locomotion, by Jacqueline Woodson, 2003

Lonnie C. Motion, aka "Locomotion," has a teacher who makes him write poetry, a foster mother who tells him to "shush," and a little sister who tells him to read the Bible so they can be together again, even though her adoptive parents don't trust Lonnie. He also has memories too painful to carry of the night their parents died in a fire. Written mostly in free verse poetry, with a few other forms mixed in, Lonnie's poetic voice is real and his observations are poignant. A hopeful and graceful read. Recommended.