Age Group: 9 - 12 Years, 12+ Years

Description: A heartfelt middle-grade novel about Georges, a seventh-grader who moves to a Brooklyn apartment building after his father loses his job. Feeling isolated at school and at home, Georges befriends Safer, a quirky neighbor and self-proclaimed spy. Together, they embark on a mission to uncover the secrets of the mysterious Mr. X in their building. As Georges navigates Safer’s increasingly demanding spy games, he confronts bullying, changing family dynamics, and questions of trust and truth. The story beautifully explores friendship, resilience, and finding courage to face life’s uncertainties, all with a quietly surprising twist. The book has won the prestigious Guardian Children's Fiction Prize in 2013. It was also shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal and named a New York Times bestseller, earning critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of childhood challenges and friendships