Clean Getaway
on Goodreads (7,827)
What’s inside...
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Nic Stone comes a timely middle-grade road-trip story through landmarks of the Civil Rights movement and the map they lay for contemporary race relations. The story follows an eleven-year-old boy on an unplanned road trip with his unconventional grandma, using the historical Green Book as their guide. As they journey through the segregation history of the American South, the boy discovers that the world hasn't always been welcoming for kids like him, and reality isn't always what it seems. This captivating novel highlights the importance of understanding history and the complexities of race relations. For the life of him, William 'Scoob' Lamar can't seem to stay out of trouble--and now the run-ins at school have led to lockdown at home. So when G'ma, Scoob's favorite person on Earth, asks him to go on an impromptu road trip, he's in the RV faster than he can say FREEDOM. With G'ma's old maps and a strange pamphlet called the 'Travelers' Green Book' at their side, the pair takes off on a journey down G'ma's memory lane. But adventure quickly turns to uncertainty: G'ma keeps changing the license plate, dodging Scoob's questions, and refusing to check Dad's voice mails. And the farther they go, the more Scoob realizes that the world hasn't always been a welcoming place for kids like him, and things aren't always what they seem--G'ma included.
Age
9-12
Length
239 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
William 'Scoob' Lamar
G'ma
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Scoob and his G'ma to go on their road trip? How would you feel in their situation?
How do the places they visit and the people they meet influence Scoob and G'ma’s relationship?
What lessons does Scoob learn about family and history during their adventures? Why are these lessons important?
G’ma shares many stories from the past with Scoob. How does understanding history help us make sense of the present?
If you could go on a road trip like Scoob and G’ma, where would you go and what would you hope to discover?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, validating their views and drawing parallels to their own experiences.
Use the historical aspects of the story to discuss any relevant history or personal family stories, bridging connections from the book to real life.
Focus on the growth and changes in the characters, asking your child how they have seen similar growth in themselves or others.
Ask your child to imagine their own adventure story. Who would they travel with and what would they want to learn or discover on their journey?
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding racial history
Explanation: In 'Clean Getaway', the young protagonist, Scoob, embarks on a road trip with his grandma where he learns about the segregated history of America through their destinations and stories.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children grasp the importance of understanding and acknowledging historical injustices to foster empathy and awareness in diverse social settings.
Example Lesson: Value of family bonds
Explanation: Throughout their journey, Scoob and his grandmother share personal stories and experiences, illustrating the deep connections and learning that can occur within familial relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to spend quality time with family members, to listen to their stories, and understand their perspectives, enhancing family closeness and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: Importance of personal integrity
Explanation: Scoob is faced with several moral dilemmas during the trip that test his values and character, teaching him to differentiate right from wrong.
Real-World Application: This lesson can guide children in making principled choices and standing up for what they believe is correct, even when faced with challenging circumstances.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The novel highlights how Scoob’s actions, whether good or bad, have consequences that affect himself and others around him.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that their actions have impacts, teaching them to consider the outcomes of their decisions and to behave responsibly.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Scoob learns more about the struggles others faced during the era of segregation, he develops a deeper sense of empathy and understanding towards people from different backgrounds.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied by encouraging children to learn about and respect diverse cultures and histories, promoting a more inclusive and empathetic outlook towards others in their community.