Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead

 Stead, R. (2012). Liar & spy. New York, NY: Yearling. 

Georges is in 7th grade and is struggling with bullies in school, a lack of friends, busy parents, and a "crazy" spy in his new apartment building. Georges (the S is silent) helps out Safer, the spy, in finding out what the mysterious Mr. X does. Throughout the process Georges finds strength from his dad, his table-partner Bob, and Safer and his siblings to fight against the bullies in school. Through his training he learns to find the truth in his daily life and accept the fact that his mother is in the hospital with a disease she is trying to fight off. In the end, Georges finds happiness with his new friends, other classmates, his mother's return, and in himself. 

The intended audience is students in middle school (6-8th grades) because of the subjects discussed. Teachers would be able to use this novel to discuss bullies and opening up to another person when you have a problem. 

I gave this book a 4 out of 5 stars!