The author’s award winning style in When You Reach Me is evident in Liar & Spy, but with a more straightforward storyline.  When Georges’ architect father loses his job, the family must simultaneously move into an apartment and deal with the mother’s hospitalization.  At the new apartment, Georges makes a new friend, Safer, who involves Georges in the task of spying on their neighbors.  It is a fun, light-hearted book.  The best part comes at school when Georges learns that “uncool” kids can ban together to become the “cool” kids.  Who determines who is cool and who is not?  Liar & Spy is a quick read and enjoyable.

NetGalley review      Publication date 8.7.12