Liar & Spy

“What if you decided to make your own rules?”

Georges (the “s” is silent) deals with a lot in a short period of time in this new middle grade novel from the Newberry winning author of When You Reach Me. This book is more realistic fiction, but demonstrates how our own minds can work as mysteriously as any fantasy. Georges moves into a new apartment because his dad lost his job, and his mom still has to work double shifts at the hospital. When his dad answers a note advertising “Spy Club” in the basement laundry area, Georges ends up joining. This really means that he joins forces with a new friend, Safer, who tells Georges one of their neighbors may be a murderer and it is their job to find proof. Georges enjoys meeting Safer’s family, who his father calls “friendly bohemians,” but isn’t comfortable with everything Safer is asking him to do. At school, he is dealing with bullies and The Science Unit of Destiny. Both Safer and Georges have secrets that will test their new friendship and challenge them to grow in unexpected ways.