Stead, Rebecca. (2012). Liar & Spy. Wendy Lamb Books: New York, NY.
Subjects: Family, Friendship, Beloning, Bullying, Self-discovery
Grades: 6th-8th
Pages: 180
Summary: Seventh grader Georges moves to an apartment in Brooklyn, NY and has to adapt to changes in his life, his father's layoff, his mother's extra shifts at the hospital, and getting tease at school. He tends to keep his feelings to himself even when his dad gives him plenty of opportunities to "pour his heart out". He meets Safer, a twelve year old boy spy and becomes his recruit. They both spy on Mr. X, who Safer assures is committing crimes inside his apartment. Safer teaches Georges how to be observant, search for evidences, and be a good liar. Safer pushes the limit when he decides to break in to Mr. X's apartment to investigate. Georges is put in a tough spot, he doesn't want to commit a crime himself, but he doesn't want to loose his only friend.
Reader's Response: The novel contains rich vocabulary through out the story such as premonition, spindly, exasperation, espionage, unami and much more. The novel can be use to teach unknown words using clues from the text. Just like Georges learned to be observant to become a good spy, students can practice their writing skills by writing their observations at school or at home. The main character was names after the artist Georges Seurat, students can research about Seurat and make a painting using pointillism.
Rebecca Stead Official Site
Other Young Adult books by Rebecca Stead:
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