Parents' Guide to Fake ID

Book Lamar Giles Mystery 2014
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Common Sense Media Review

Joe Applegate By Joe Applegate , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Fast-paced tale of family in hiding is gripping, violent.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 13+

Based on 1 kid review

What's the Story?

Tony's dad, a crooked accountant, places his family in the federal witness protection program after testifying against a killer who remains at large. Undercover in a small town, the family remains in danger after Tony discovers his dad is helping the mayor defraud the government. Even if Tony discoverers who murdered his high-school buddy, he'll still have to face his dad.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say ( 1 ):

Though the reader needs a tight grip to follow the twisting plot, Tony makes the ride worthwhile. FAKE ID makes it a pleasure to follow the supremely confident Tony as he attempts to solve the murder of a high school friend, win the heart of the friend's bereaved sister, outwit some nasty teen thugs, and finally confront his father, whose shady dealings have again endangered the family. In the tradition of great detectives, he keeps his head when someone else in the room is pointing a rifle at it.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about thrillers. What makes a good one? How is this one different from a mystery?

  • What would your family's cover be if you suddenly had to move to another town?

  • What might be the hardest thing about assuming a fake ID?

Book Details

  • Author : Lamar Giles
  • Genre : Mystery
  • Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
  • Book type : Fiction
  • Publisher : Amistad
  • Publication date : January 21, 2014
  • Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 18
  • Number of pages : 304
  • Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Kindle
  • Last updated : October 1, 2025

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