I struggled with this book... okay I struggled with his name... GeorgeS with silent 's'... although I can see how it would bug him, coming from a Rachael with an "extra" a.

But I couldn't get into it very easily, I think it was the characters from the other family, I was getting confused about who was who.

However, the ending was very clever, I didn't see it coming. Georges lives in a strange world full of secrets and games. I was expecting a bit more Elen Caldecott than psychological. A very good book in terms of dealing with family problems and school bullying, in particular the school bullying, I did enjoy that part of the story.

I was so pleased to be approved to read Liar and Spy. It was completely engrossing and I read it in one sitting on the patio in the sunshine.

Georges is moving to an apartment building with his mum and dad. His Dad is starting a new business since being laid off and his Mum works double shifts and split shifts at the hospital so Georges has to deal with most of life by himself. From getting bullied at school, not seeing his Mum much, moving and now a new “friend” in the boy upstairs, called Safer. Safer, sister Candy, brother Pigeon and their parents are bohemians, following their own paths, homeschooling and doing as they please.

Safer and Georges form a team, spying on a neighbour who seems mysterious- always wearing black, carrying heavy suitcases and not speaking much. Safer leads Georges on this spy mission and it takes his mind off what is happening at school, being labelled a geek and getting pushed around by Dallas.

Georges is communicating with his Mum via Scrabble tiles as they seem to be missing each other. Georges dad spends a lot of time at the hospital visiting Mum- And they seem to eat a lot of takeaways. My curiosity was peaked a few times into Mum but I allowed the story to carry me forward.

Finding new hope in others in his school, Georges figures out a few things- a way to handle the bullies and secrets about his friend Safer. I came to really like Georges and his personality. His way off handling the bullies is brilliant. Safer is a complex character and once we learn more about him- previous conversations and actions make more sense.

A super book about life for a boy in the seventh grade, learning new skills and ways to handle life situations. Understanding friends and family and coming to terms with differences in people.

Excellent!