Liar & Spy
on Goodreads (26,571)
What’s inside...
Seventh-grader Georges adjusts to moving from a house to an apartment, his father's efforts to start a new business, his mother's extra shifts as a nurse, being picked on at school, and Safer, a boy who wants his help spying on another resident of their building. The book tells a story about spies, games, and friendship. Georges moves into a Brooklyn apartment building and meets Safer, a twelve-year-old self-appointed spy. Georges becomes Safer's first spy recruit with a mission to track the mysterious Mr. X, who lives in the apartment upstairs. As Safer's demands grow, Georges begins to question the boundaries of lies and games, and how far one should go for a friend. The book keeps readers guessing until the end and has received accolades including a starred review from Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, The Horn Book, School Library Journal, and The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books. It was also listed on various bestseller lists and was nominated for the Best Fiction for Young Adults in 2013.
Age
9-12
Length
180 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Georges
Candy
Safer
Georges'S Father
Dallas Llewellyn
Discussion points
What do you think made Georges decide to join the Spy Club, and how did it change his view of the world and the people around him?
How do the secrets in the story affect the relationships between the characters? Can you think of a time when a secret affected one of your relationships?
Safer is a complex character with many layers. What are your thoughts on his actions and motivations? Do you think his actions were justified?
The theme of friendship is central to 'Liar & Spy.' How do Georges and Safer’s friendship evolve throughout the book? What do you think true friendship means?
How do the characters in the book deal with challenges and setbacks? What can we learn from their experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ decisions and actions, highlighting the moral complexities within the story.
Discuss the themes of trust and betrayal with your child, relating them to real-life scenarios to deepen their understanding.
Ask your child to compare their own experiences with those of Georges, fostering empathy and a deeper personal connection to the narrative.
Highlight the growth of the characters over time to help your child understand the concept of development and change in people.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of facing challenges and how resilience can be built through difficult times.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'Liar & Spy', the protagonist, Georges, learns about the consequences of deceit through the interactions and secrets between characters.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the value of truthfulness in building trust and maintaining healthy relationships with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Embracing change and resilience
Explanation: Throughout the book, Georges navigates various changes in his life, including moving to a new home and dealing with his father's job loss, showcasing his adaptability.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to cope with changes in their own lives, understanding that adaptability and resilience are key to overcoming challenges.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: Georges forms a unique friendship with Safer, a boy who teaches him about bravery and loyalty, illustrating the impact of supportive friendships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to seek out and nurture friendships that are positive and supportive, recognizing the crucial role friends play in personal growth.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: The characters in 'Liar & Spy' frequently confront and overcome their fears, whether it's fear of an elevator or standing up to a bully.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to confront their own fears, realizing that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.