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Fake ID
Common Sense says
- Lamar Giles
- Mystery
- 2014
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Fake ID, about a family in the federal witness protection program, is suspenseful, exciting, and violent. Four teens are killed, one of them shot in the face, as young Tony seeks to save his own life while uncovering a scheme to defraud the government. One sex scene in a car and some drinking at a party are underplayed compared with the murder scenes. Author Lamar Giles is a veteran of adult noir thrillers. Here, for a younger audience, he shows a narrative skill that will keep many readers locked on the page, though some may flinch.
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Good but creepy teen thriller
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?
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, Great Boy Role Models, High School, Misfits and Underdogs
- 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
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.