Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead - ADVISABLE

Stead, Rebecca Liar and Spy, 180 pgs. Wendy Lamb Books, 2012. $15.99. 

Language: PG (1 swear, 0 “f”), Violence: G, Sexual Content: G. 

Georges tries to keep a low profile at school to avoid being bullied by the popular crowd. He is also going through some transitions because his family moved, his dad is starting his own business, and his mom is taking extra nursing shifts at the hospital. He finds friends in his new building that help him learn to keep a united front at school, become more confident, and face some of his fears.  

This book had a similar quality to Rebecca Stead’s other Newbery-winning book, When You Reach Me.  It was an intriguing story with strong details and an essence of mystery.   The ending wasn’t quite as surprising as the Newbery winner, but it was very satisfying.  It was refreshing to read a story in which bullying issues are resolved without confrontation or violence and smart, independent, kind characters.  

MS-ADVISABLE.  Reviewed by: Shay, Library Media Specialist