Parents' Guide to

Liar & Spy

By Barbara Schultz, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Brave misfit tames fears in inspiring, surprising novel.

Book Rebecca Stead Friendship 2012
Liar & Spy Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 10+

Based on 1 parent review

tgallo
tgallo Adult
February 10, 2019
age 10+

My Students Really Enjoyed This Book!

Although some of my 6th and 7th grade students say they called the surprise ending early on, they still really enjoyed this book and gave it, an average of 4 stars. I look forward to sharing this book with future classes.
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (7):

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

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