Clifford is a brief slice of a rudderless teenage life. A preponderance of the book takes place on a road trip with Floyd and Marsha. After narrowly missing Clifford with a bucket of chicken bones (hurled from their car) the improbable pair offer Clifford a ride.

Clifford is beguiled by an uninhibited Marsha. (Marsha is the first female to treat Clifford with something other than scorn.) The trek ends at Marsha's house. Clifford isn't asked to leave and is delighted to stay. The indelible climax of Clifford takes place at a party.