Book Review: Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead

Title: Liar & Spy

Author: Rebecca Stead

Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Publication Date: August 2012

Genre: Middle Grade Fiction

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

Synopsis can be found here.
NetGalley review.

Review:

So many good things about this book, I don't know where to start.
Georges moves to Brooklyn and meets Safer, a kid who lives in his building. Together, they begin spying on the mysterious Mr. X. But as the risks grow more and more dangerous, Georges must decide what his own boundaries are, even if it means disagreeing with his only friend.

There's so much more to this book than that though.
Safer is a wonderful character, full of intrigue, mystery and fun. Georges doesn't understand Safer, which makes him not only untouchable but also unbelievable cool. I loved the dialogue between Safer, his sister Candy, and Georges. It solidifying them as friends. Georges's relationships with his parents are equally warm and sweet. Dad and Mom are both loving parents, if not going through a very hard time right now. I won't go into more detail because I don't want to spoil anything.

Georges's world at school is really not fun. School at that time most of the time is challenging and my heart really went out to Georges, especially in gym class. Georges, I know, I know. I hated gym class too. And any kid who wasn't the bully can sympathize with George's world.

The best part about this story is how heartwarming it is. Liars and Spies alike will understand it's not just what the book is stating, but what is being left unsaid. Georges many relationships both as a spy and as a school kid are tested every day, and sometimes, as Georges finds out, people surprise you.

I loved Liar & Spy, about as much as I loved Stead's other book When You Reach Me.
If you haven't picked that up yet, you should.
I read Liar & Spy in one sitting, and was melancholy the rest of the day to leave Georges, Safer and Candy behind.

Rating 9 Ridiculously Awesome like Cookies and Ice Cream