HAPPY NEW YEAR!
American Author: Rebecca Stead
LIAR AND SPY
REVIEW
LIAR AND SPY BY REBECCA STEAD
Georges’s life has changed the closing
of one door and the opening of another.
His family has downsized, moved from the
house he’s known into an apartment twelve blocks away. The only thing familiar
is the Seurat painting which hangs in the living room, as it did back home.
His father is an unemployed architect, his mother never home, working double shifts at the hospital.
Shortly after moving into the apartment,
Georges meets a boy who is the same age, 12. He has an odd name, Safer, and claims to be a
professional spy. He doesn’t attend school instead spends his time spying and
keeping watch over the apartment. He
shares with Georges his stories of Mr. X, the notorious mystery man who lives
in their building.
Georges's life revolves around school
and home; time spent making new friendships in both.
School isn’t a place that offers him the
comfort or security he wants, but a place filled with bullies and worst of all
the betrayal of his best friend.
His friendship with Safer challenges his
morals and pushes him out of his comfort zone, often times teetering on right
and wrong, forcing him into difficult situations. It isn’t long before he begins to question
who Safer really is, and has to face a choice that may cost him his friendship.
Life for both boys has its struggles and
challenges of family issues, fears and phobia’s and the dynamics of friendship.
As the story unfolds, like layers of an onion so does the reasons for their
actions and behaviour.
In the end, both overcome many obstacles;
adjust to life and problems that hinder happiness.
A wonderful character read a book with a
strong story, funny bits, and an unexpected ending.
Rebecca Stead has delved into sensitive
issues in Liar and Spy, bullying, family, and friendship, all of which children
encounter every day.
I would recommend this book for both boys and girls ages 9+
Other titles by Rebecca Stead:
WHEN YOU REACH ME FIRST LIGHT
Happy reading,
bye Rosalyne
