Liar & Spy facts for kids

Liar & Spy

1st (American) edition, hardcover dustjacket
Author	Rebecca Stead
Cover artist	Yan Nascimbene (hc) Mary Kate McDevitt (pb)
Country	United States
Language	English
Genre	Children's novel
Published	August 7, 2012
Publisher	Wendy Lamb (Penguin Random House)
Pages	192
ISBN	978-0-385-73743-2

Liar & Spy is an exciting children's novel written by Rebecca Stead. It was published in 2012 and takes place in the busy city of Brooklyn. The story follows two middle school students, Georges and Safer, as they try to uncover a secret spy living in their apartment building.

At the same time, Georges faces some everyday bullying. The adults around him don't always seem to notice or understand it. In 2013, Rebecca Stead became the first American author to win the prestigious Guardian Children's Fiction Prize for Liar & Spy.

Georges and Safer's Spy Mission

The story begins when Georges and his family move into a new apartment. His dad is starting his own business, so they need a new place to live. Georges is named after the famous painter Georges Seurat, but his name has a silent 's'.

On moving day, Georges spots a mysterious boy walking two dogs. The boy disappears behind a locked door under the lobby stairs. Later, while unpacking in the basement, Georges finds a handwritten sign. It says "Spy Club Meeting—TODAY!"

Joining the Spy Club

Curious, Georges returns to the basement for the meeting. There, he meets Candy and her older brother, Safer. Safer is the same mysterious boy Georges saw earlier. Safer is twelve years old and has a big secret to share.

Safer believes one of their building's residents is a spy. He calls this person Mr. X. Safer thinks Mr. X "is almost definitely up to something evil." This is because Mr. X always wears black clothes. He also constantly moves suitcases in and out of the building.

Unmasking Mr. X

The novel then dives into Safer's detailed plans. He works hard to figure out who Mr. X really is. Georges joins him on this exciting mission. Together, they try to uncover the truth about the shadowy Mr. X.

While the spy mystery unfolds, Georges also deals with his own challenges. He continues to face bullying at school. The book shows how he handles these tough situations.

Why This Book is Special

Liar & Spy is a unique story. It combines mystery, friendship, and growing up. The book explores themes of observation and understanding. It also shows how kids can find strength in unexpected places.

Rebecca Stead's writing style is very engaging. She creates characters that feel real. The story keeps readers guessing until the very end. Winning the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize shows how special this book is. It's a great read for anyone who loves a good mystery.