Atlanta Author Nic Stone Tackles Race Relations In Debut Middle-Grade Novel, 'Clean Getaway'

Atlanta native Nic Stone has not shied away from racism, belonging and the weight of history in her novels for young adults. The New York Times best-selling author pulls those themes together in her debut novel for middle-grade readers. The book is called Clean Getaway , and hits store shelves Jan. 7. 11-year-old William "Scoob" Lamar spends his spring break crossing the deep South in a Winnebago with his eccentric grandmother. He's escaping punishment for fighting at school — and soon realizes that "G'ma" is also on the run for something he doesn't quite understand.