PUBLISHER:
I’ve said before how much I appreciate the opportunity to attend ALA events. This Arc was one that I picked up from Random House and I’m so glad I did! The character and themes of this book are familiar to us all in these times. Young Georges and his family are moving into an apartment after being forced to sell their house. Georges father has lost his job and his mother is working double shifts at the Hospital to keep them afloat.
The one bright spot in Georges life is that he is still in the Brooklyn neighborhood he has grown up in, still goes to the same school with the same friends and unfortunately the same tormentors.
As Georges settles into his new apartment he also discovers a new friend in Safer, an eccentric neighbor who starts a Spy Club with Georges and begins spying on Mister X. Georges becomes drawn into Safer’s world and starts taking risks he never dreamed he was capable of.
At school it’s an entirely different world as Georges deals with the loss of a good friend and concocts a plan to stand tall in front of the school bullies.
There is such a genuine feel to Stead’s prose. These characters stir the readers hearts slowly until we are fully vested in each of their journeys. Stead tackles real world issues many kids face at home and school. She doesn't sugarcoat the realities and offers solutions that will inspire. There is also a surprise plot twist towards the end of this book that makes you look at the entire story in a new light.
Such a fulfilling read that left me teary eyed and utterly satisfied. I will be seeking out more of Rebecca’s books.
