Liar & Spy is a good realistic fiction book that deals with issues all kids do-- school, friends, acceptance, and fears, but it also has some unique characteristics. Rebecca Stead does a nice job of developing characters, and Georges and Safer-- the main characters in this book are no exception. This is only the second book I've read by Rebecca Stead, but in both books she includes some quirky characters and surprising plot elements. This was a quick read, and one that I think most middle graders would enjoy and relate to.