William "Scoob" Lamar was grounded and suspended from school. When G'ma comes by in her new Winnebago, offering Scoob freedom, he jumps at the chance. Scoob and G'ma are now traveling partners that will take them from Georgia through Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and eventually to Mexico. G'ma is retracing a road trip she did with G'pop way back in the 60's. The seemingly innocent road trip becomes an important lesson for Scoob, teaching him the history of Civil Rights, racism, segregation and living under Jim Crow laws. More importantly, he learns of his family history. The difficulty G'ma and G'pop had living as a mixed race couple in the deep south (G'ma's white, G'pop, black), how difficult it was for them to travel (G'ma gives Scoob the green book they traveled with), how G'pop died while incarcerated for jewelry theft, why his father has deep resentment towards G'pop, and why his mother abandoned them when Scoob was an infant. While learning of the past, Scoob discovers the deep-rooted racism that still exists and why his father is so strict with him. A mystery seems to be afoot and Scoob has a lot of questions, questions G'ma keeps avoiding.
A well written, middle level book that cleverly teaches as well as entertains. The story arc is complete with several unexpected twists. A good starting point for discussion on racism, prejudice, and the history of Civil Rights in America.
Mark's Book Picks Score: 4
Reading Level: 5.0 • Interest Level: 3-6 • AR Points: 5 • Lexile Level: 780L • Publisher: Random House • Pages: 227 • Copyright: 2020 • ISBN: 978-1-9848929-7-3 • Available in Perma-Bound Binding
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