Liar & Spy
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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 Liar & Spy, by the author of the Newbery Medal-winning When You Reach Me, is a true-to-life novel about an "uncool" kid named Georges who's having a tough time at school and at home. Georges is bullied -- enough to be disturbing, but he's never in serious danger. He's also struggling to face some harsh family realities. There's a little bit of name calling, intimidation, and teasing, and minor violence at the hands of a couple of bullies (a boy holds Georges down with a foot on the prone boy's chest; a pair of boys pushes Georges and holds him against a store display). But Georges' internal emotional struggles are the most painful parts of the book. Rebecca Stead writes with age-appropriate realism and humor, however, so the book never gets too heavy for its readers. The novel also offers a particularly heartwarming, positive father-son relationship between Georges and his dad.
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What's the Story?
Rebecca Stead's LIAR & SPY is narrated by Georges (the \"s\" is silent), who has just moved with his parents from their house to an apartment in Brooklyn. Georges' family has had to cut back financially after Georges' dad was laid off; Georges' mom is a nurse and often works double shifts in a hospital across town. In addition to his family's struggles, Georges is often teased and pushed around by a couple of bullies at school. But Georges meets a new friend in his building who asks him to help spy on a suspicious-seeming neighbor. As Georges begins to understand what's true and real about his new friendship, he also starts to see the truth about facing his own challenges.
Is It Any Good?
Liar & Spy is a clever and inspiring book full of original yet realistic characters. The plot twists are smart and surprising, as is Georges' way of pushing back against the bullies who tease him. Georges' relationship with his parents is lovely -- very close and supportive -- and provides a firm foundation, so that the reader is never too worried about his character.
Georges faces some pretty serious challenges for a seventh-grader, but there's enough relief in his life -- and humor in Stead's writing -- that the novel never gets too heavy. This is a warm, engaging book about characters and situations that will resonate for young readers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Liar & Spy's plot twists. Do you like it when an author holds certain facts back and then reveals them at unexpected moments? How does that add to the reading experience?
Has a friend ever asked you to do something you knew was wrong? Do you feel Georges handled Safer's requests the right way?
What makes the characters in Liar & Spy seem realistic? How does the book portray bullying? Is it authentic?
Book Details
- Author: Rebecca Stead
- Genre: Friendship
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, Friendship
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Random House Children's Books
- Publication date: August 7, 2012
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 12
- Number of pages: 192
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: December 13, 2018
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