Clean Getaway

• Genre: Fiction; middle grade contemporary
• Originally Published: 2020
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 780L; grades 3-7
• Structure/Length: Approx 229 pages; approx. 4 hours on audio
• Protagonist and Central Conflict: Eleven-year-old William “Scoob” Lamar takes an unplanned road trip with his unpredictable grandmother in a story filled with family secrets, surprising twists, and lessons from the history of the segregated American South.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Prejudice, racism, death of a loved one

Nic Stone, Author

• Bio: Born in Atlanta, GA; attended Spelman College; background in teen mentoring; strives to represent diverse voices in her work
• Other Works: Dear Martin (2017); Odd One Out (2018); Jackpot: All Bets Are Off (2019); Fast Pitch (2021)
• Awards: William C. Morris Debut YA Award (2018); YALSA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers (2021)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Unit:

• The Relevance of Black History Today
• The Negative Effects of Racial Stereotyping
• Racism Towards the Black Community in the United States

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Unit, students will:

• Develop their ability to compare the past and present through analysis of the text’s theme of The Relevance of Black History Today.
• Gain increased awareness of the historical contexts regarding racism that impact African Americans in the United States by responding to Scoob’s lessons in history and by exploring the text’s theme of Racism Towards the Black Community.