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Liar, Liar #1
Liar, Liar: The Theory, Practice and Destructive Properties of Deception
Kevin doesn't mean to make trouble when he lies. He's just really good at it, and it makes life so much easier. But as his lies pile up, he finds himself in big—and funny—trouble with his friends, family, and teachers. He's got to find a way to end his lying streak—forever.
120 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
199 people are currently reading
1434 people want to read
About the author
Gary Paulsen
418 books3,922 followersGary James Paulsen was an American writer of children's and young adult fiction, best known for coming-of-age stories about the wilderness. He was the author of more than 200 books and wrote more than 200 magazine articles and short stories, and several plays, all primarily for teenagers. He won the Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 1997 for his lifetime contribution in writing for teens.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews
April 4, 2021
Decades after earning Newbery Honors in 1986, '88, and '90, Gary Paulsen released a five-book series featuring Kevin Spencer, a fourteen-year-old with an offbeat way of viewing the world. Kevin is a seasoned liar; fabrications roll off his tongue with ease to his parents, siblings, teachers, kids at school, anyone Kevin feels the need to deceive. The trouble in Liar, Liar: The Theory, Practice and Destructive Properties of Deception begins when he spins a wild yarn for a girl at school named Katie to convince her he can't contribute to their social studies project. Kevin has a dread disease, he claims, and a concerned Katie accepts the story despite her formidable intelligence. She offers to do Kevin's half of the work, and he's pleased with the way his day is going until moments later he spots Tina Zabinski in the hall and instantly becomes infatuated with her.
Kevin has known Tina for years, but hormones are catching up to him, and her prettiness hits Kevin like a revelation from God. Too bad he's incapable of his usual eloquence when Tina is nearby. He's desperate to persuade her that he's the ideal boyfriend, but how should a world-class fibber approach this mission? Kevin sets his sights on Tina's friend Connie Shaw, who plays a large role in student government. Entering her orbit will keep him in proximity to Tina, and then all he has to do is get the object of his affection to fall in love with him. To increase his available time to spend with her, Kevin finesses a few of his teachers to excuse him from class for a week or so, and then goes to work convincing Connie he's as interested in politics as she is. Kevin doesn't fully listen to her end of their conversations, but why worry about trivialities when you're a gifted liar?
Buoyed by his successful prevarications at school, Kevin pushes his luck. His best friend JonPaul has hypochondriac tendencies, and soon Kevin has him believing JonPaul is on the verge of a catastrophic health collapse. How else will Kevin buy himself some needed time alone? Kevin, his fifteen-year-old brother Daniel, and sixteen-year-old sister Sarah are co-owners of an old beater car given them by their colorful Auntie Buzz, who lives with the family and runs her own decorating service. The three siblings continually fight over the car, though Kevin is too young to drive, but he uses his lying skills to keep Daniel and Sarah at each other's throats. Kevin isn't above playing his parents off each other either, though lately his father spends most of his time away on extended business trips. The web of lies at home and school is getting thick, and even Kevin isn't above getting snagged in it. Can he prevent his teachers from finding out he's skipping classes? And will an opportunity arise to sweep Tina off her feet?
Liar, Liar is fairly engaging, and the plot proceeds logically. Kevin isn't as adroit a liar as he's made out to be; a true wunderkind of deception should know better than to create complex lies and not pay attention to the details, a scenario bound to degenerate. The book's best scene is with Markie, the four-year-old neighbor boy Kevin is frequently called on to babysit. His primary feeling toward Markie is annoyance, but only by observing him does the truth about lying dawn on Kevin. Finding out how much he means to Markie, and why, is a watershed moment of Liar, Liar. This novel isn't on par with Gary Paulsen's best, but I'll probably rate it the full two stars. I got something out of it, and I think you will too.
Kevin has known Tina for years, but hormones are catching up to him, and her prettiness hits Kevin like a revelation from God. Too bad he's incapable of his usual eloquence when Tina is nearby. He's desperate to persuade her that he's the ideal boyfriend, but how should a world-class fibber approach this mission? Kevin sets his sights on Tina's friend Connie Shaw, who plays a large role in student government. Entering her orbit will keep him in proximity to Tina, and then all he has to do is get the object of his affection to fall in love with him. To increase his available time to spend with her, Kevin finesses a few of his teachers to excuse him from class for a week or so, and then goes to work convincing Connie he's as interested in politics as she is. Kevin doesn't fully listen to her end of their conversations, but why worry about trivialities when you're a gifted liar?
Buoyed by his successful prevarications at school, Kevin pushes his luck. His best friend JonPaul has hypochondriac tendencies, and soon Kevin has him believing JonPaul is on the verge of a catastrophic health collapse. How else will Kevin buy himself some needed time alone? Kevin, his fifteen-year-old brother Daniel, and sixteen-year-old sister Sarah are co-owners of an old beater car given them by their colorful Auntie Buzz, who lives with the family and runs her own decorating service. The three siblings continually fight over the car, though Kevin is too young to drive, but he uses his lying skills to keep Daniel and Sarah at each other's throats. Kevin isn't above playing his parents off each other either, though lately his father spends most of his time away on extended business trips. The web of lies at home and school is getting thick, and even Kevin isn't above getting snagged in it. Can he prevent his teachers from finding out he's skipping classes? And will an opportunity arise to sweep Tina off her feet?
Liar, Liar is fairly engaging, and the plot proceeds logically. Kevin isn't as adroit a liar as he's made out to be; a true wunderkind of deception should know better than to create complex lies and not pay attention to the details, a scenario bound to degenerate. The book's best scene is with Markie, the four-year-old neighbor boy Kevin is frequently called on to babysit. His primary feeling toward Markie is annoyance, but only by observing him does the truth about lying dawn on Kevin. Finding out how much he means to Markie, and why, is a watershed moment of Liar, Liar. This novel isn't on par with Gary Paulsen's best, but I'll probably rate it the full two stars. I got something out of it, and I think you will too.
May 3, 2011
After reading this book, I have no idea who I would ever give it to.
Several (reliable?) professional book review publications have reviewed "Liar, Liar" for grades 2 or 3 and up, which makes me think that none of them actually read past the first page. The protagonist is in 8th grade, and you know what? 8th grade boys are experiencing some things that might be little bit much for a 2nd or 3rd grader. I normally tend to be of the mind that reading is one of the healthiest ways for kids to explore these sorts of "growing up" issues, but I just don't feel comfortable handing a book to an 8 year-old when it talks about popping a boner and going to see bands with names like "You Suck but Let's Hook Up Anyway," and "Dude and the Jailbaits."
So having made the decision that the book is definitely for middle-schoolers, I can't think of a middle-schooler I would give it to. I know this might seem shallow, but if I was in middle school and someone handed me a book with a cover full of childish primary colors and what LOOKS like a picture of a 7 year-old boy on the front, I wouldn't want to read it because I'd feel like my intelligence and coolness was being insulted.
Furthermore, if I DID read it, I'd be completely put off by the Brady Bunch-like hug and make up session at the end, in which the whole family (three of whom are teenagers) cuddles on the couch together and have a read-aloud storytime. It was just so corny. If I felt a bit put-off by it as an adult, I would have LOATHED it as a teen. Listen, there's nothing wrong with loving your family, and I had a pretty great relationship with my parents as a teenager, but we didn't get snuggly-wuggley or bake gingerbread houses for orphans, or talk about how much we loved each other all the time, and I don't know anyone who had that kind of an experience. It seems unrealistic.
Several (reliable?) professional book review publications have reviewed "Liar, Liar" for grades 2 or 3 and up, which makes me think that none of them actually read past the first page. The protagonist is in 8th grade, and you know what? 8th grade boys are experiencing some things that might be little bit much for a 2nd or 3rd grader. I normally tend to be of the mind that reading is one of the healthiest ways for kids to explore these sorts of "growing up" issues, but I just don't feel comfortable handing a book to an 8 year-old when it talks about popping a boner and going to see bands with names like "You Suck but Let's Hook Up Anyway," and "Dude and the Jailbaits."
So having made the decision that the book is definitely for middle-schoolers, I can't think of a middle-schooler I would give it to. I know this might seem shallow, but if I was in middle school and someone handed me a book with a cover full of childish primary colors and what LOOKS like a picture of a 7 year-old boy on the front, I wouldn't want to read it because I'd feel like my intelligence and coolness was being insulted.
Furthermore, if I DID read it, I'd be completely put off by the Brady Bunch-like hug and make up session at the end, in which the whole family (three of whom are teenagers) cuddles on the couch together and have a read-aloud storytime. It was just so corny. If I felt a bit put-off by it as an adult, I would have LOATHED it as a teen. Listen, there's nothing wrong with loving your family, and I had a pretty great relationship with my parents as a teenager, but we didn't get snuggly-wuggley or bake gingerbread houses for orphans, or talk about how much we loved each other all the time, and I don't know anyone who had that kind of an experience. It seems unrealistic.
November 11, 2020
A quick read with about 120 pages. The story follows a 14 year old boy who lies often but thinks of lying as something he does for the greater good. It starts off with lying about completing homework, to lying about having an unknown disease, to SO much more which gets him in a LOT of trouble. I think this book is the start of a series(?), which I am not interested in picking up. A 5/10 from me because it gets a bit repetitive at points and it just wasn't my type of story honestly. Nothing was interesting enough to get me attached to any characters or to keep me reading. If you really want to read this book I would recommend picking it up from a library or something :))
May 11, 2011
I am a Gary Paulsen fan, but this book fell short in my opinion. Based on the cover art, I thought it was going to be about a 4th or 5th grade boy but in fact Kevin, the main character, is in 8th grade. He is described as a compulsive liar and the story involves the escalating problems he gets himself into, but I didn't find Kevin's character to be especially believable or consistent. I couldn't even decide if I liked him or not. It's too juvenile for 8th grade boys, but has some content that makes it questionable for younger kids. I'd rather steer 5th and 6th graders to Paulsen's other recent, short, humorous books ( Lawn Boy, Lawn Boy Returns and Mudshark).
October 9, 2015
A very wittily written book about 14 year old Kevin who distorts the truth to navigate through life. He lies because he finds it makes people happy and it is convenient for him. So when he falls in love with Tina he lies to everybody so he can prove to Tina what a great boyfriend he can be. Predictably, his plan backfires and Kevin finds out telling the truth can truly set one free. Although the story has a moral yet Paulsen does not at any point seem preachy or didactic about it. With his characteristic humor and witticism, he makes Kevin almost convince us that lying does make people quite happy and it surely is convenient.
The narration and the brevity of the book will surely appeal to the teens who want a quick, fun read. Although the story is short, yet a lot is said in its pages that are thought provoking and even enlightening. A very entertaining read.
The narration and the brevity of the book will surely appeal to the teens who want a quick, fun read. Although the story is short, yet a lot is said in its pages that are thought provoking and even enlightening. A very entertaining read.
March 22, 2011
Short, fun read about how little lies can cause big problems. My only real complaint is that it looks like a book for a second/third grader (short chapters, small trim size), but is about a 14-year-old boy and his quest to make a girl notice him. It won't have any browsing appeal for it's intended audience and falls into that crack between juvenile and YA fiction.
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January 21, 2021I thought that the book was so so. It is about this boy called Kevin who is always lying, such as when he lied to Katie about his not realistic medical condition.
October 17, 2019
Very relatable, I can really feel what he's experiencing
March 19, 2015
Liar, Liar: The Theory,Practice And Destructive Properties of Deception
The title of the book is “Liar,liar” by Gary Paulsen. The theme of the book “Liar, Liar” is lying basically about how Kevin (the main character) lies all the time and gets away with it. So the first lie Kevin tells is that he told his partner in social studies and he told her that he suffers from a terrible disease because he didn't want to work with her or do the presentation. The second lie that he told was to his brother and Kevin lied by saying that his sister (Sarah) was stealing from the store and thats how she gets everything she wants. The third lie Kevin tells is to his teachers saying that he either had a play to do or he was practicing for the wrestling team when he is only stalking his crush Tina.
The first lie that Kevin told was to his partner Katie in social studies because he does not want to work with her. So he ends up telling her a big lie saying he has a terrible disease just so he wouldnt work with her. For example, in the text it says “ Look, Katie, its probably not fair that you got stuck with me, because I have… some medical issues that might prevent me from, er, living up my part of the project. Its just too soon to tell- we’re waiting on test results and some studies in Germany that have to be concluded.” Being the naive girl that she is believes him and feels some sort of sympathy for him. But Katie eventually found out and told him to do his own project so he did and he got a F.
The second lie that he tells is to his brother and he told his brother that his sister (Sarah), steals from the mall and gets away with it. He tells him how Sarah was whining about being broke because his brother said that she went shoe shopping. His brother (Daniel), gets suspicious and thinks she is stealing so when sarah comes home Daniel starts yelling at her and she yells back and his mom gets into this fight and it is just a crazy mess. Kevin’s mom found out first and he got grounded for lying to his sister and brother.
In conclusion, the theme of the book is lying and basically Kevin lies all the time and gets away with it. This is not how many times he lied because he lies all the time. Basically what I am trying to say is to not lie to people because you are going to get so used to lying that you do it all the time and if you lie, all your lies are going to catch up to you and you will get in big trouble. While some argue that lying is good and way easier for you they forgot that all your lies can catch up to you and you ar going to be in trouble just like Kevin. So for example Kevin lied to katie saying that he had a disease just because he didn't want to work with her for a social studies partner project. She believed him at first feeling sorry for him but later she found out and not only did she confront him about it but he had to do his own and he got a F.
The title of the book is “Liar,liar” by Gary Paulsen. The theme of the book “Liar, Liar” is lying basically about how Kevin (the main character) lies all the time and gets away with it. So the first lie Kevin tells is that he told his partner in social studies and he told her that he suffers from a terrible disease because he didn't want to work with her or do the presentation. The second lie that he told was to his brother and Kevin lied by saying that his sister (Sarah) was stealing from the store and thats how she gets everything she wants. The third lie Kevin tells is to his teachers saying that he either had a play to do or he was practicing for the wrestling team when he is only stalking his crush Tina.
The first lie that Kevin told was to his partner Katie in social studies because he does not want to work with her. So he ends up telling her a big lie saying he has a terrible disease just so he wouldnt work with her. For example, in the text it says “ Look, Katie, its probably not fair that you got stuck with me, because I have… some medical issues that might prevent me from, er, living up my part of the project. Its just too soon to tell- we’re waiting on test results and some studies in Germany that have to be concluded.” Being the naive girl that she is believes him and feels some sort of sympathy for him. But Katie eventually found out and told him to do his own project so he did and he got a F.
The second lie that he tells is to his brother and he told his brother that his sister (Sarah), steals from the mall and gets away with it. He tells him how Sarah was whining about being broke because his brother said that she went shoe shopping. His brother (Daniel), gets suspicious and thinks she is stealing so when sarah comes home Daniel starts yelling at her and she yells back and his mom gets into this fight and it is just a crazy mess. Kevin’s mom found out first and he got grounded for lying to his sister and brother.
In conclusion, the theme of the book is lying and basically Kevin lies all the time and gets away with it. This is not how many times he lied because he lies all the time. Basically what I am trying to say is to not lie to people because you are going to get so used to lying that you do it all the time and if you lie, all your lies are going to catch up to you and you will get in big trouble. While some argue that lying is good and way easier for you they forgot that all your lies can catch up to you and you ar going to be in trouble just like Kevin. So for example Kevin lied to katie saying that he had a disease just because he didn't want to work with her for a social studies partner project. She believed him at first feeling sorry for him but later she found out and not only did she confront him about it but he had to do his own and he got a F.
September 14, 2021
For me the biggest misstep of this book is that the content and the target audience seem to be 7th-8th grade boys, but the reading level and story development are overly simplified, feels more like 3-4th grade reading level. The story was pretty underdeveloped, and was a scant 120 pages, and while there are two sequels, it certainly felt like more could have been done with all of it.
The voice to me feels authentic as do the struggles if you’re a white, upper middle class suburban male. References to an unwanted erection hidden with a math text book while observing a crush, a sister flipping the bird, and the use of the word FUBAR, perhaps objectionable to some adults, but are authentic incidents of middle school culture in the present day most likely, might improve the appeal for 12-14 year olds. Yet to me, the story doesn’t feel very new or special.
A few troubling things to me were the use of the word retarded, and the description of a heavy-set girl with a unibrow as being a troll.
The voice to me feels authentic as do the struggles if you’re a white, upper middle class suburban male. References to an unwanted erection hidden with a math text book while observing a crush, a sister flipping the bird, and the use of the word FUBAR, perhaps objectionable to some adults, but are authentic incidents of middle school culture in the present day most likely, might improve the appeal for 12-14 year olds. Yet to me, the story doesn’t feel very new or special.
A few troubling things to me were the use of the word retarded, and the description of a heavy-set girl with a unibrow as being a troll.
June 17, 2011
Take a look at this book cover, feel the slimness of the volume, and then recommend it for an age group. What would you say, probably grade 3? Ages 7-10? I know, I know, read it first, or at least read a review, but COME ON. It looks like a baby book, and then you get to a humorous bit about a boner a few chapters in. A sweet and easy read, this is an ideal title for reluctant young adults. I'm not worried about the third graders who will inevitably pick up the title - a little boner humor never killed anyone, and it will likely go right over their heads anyway. What pisses me off is that no self respecting 13-year-old is going to willingly get caught reading a book with this cover. Let's hope they do better on the paperback.
February 1, 2020
"Liar Liar" by Gary Paulsen is a very relative book that also taught me a lesson. Always tell the truth. I really like this book because it can relate to me very much because I lie too. But this book taught me not to lie anymore because it can get you in real trouble. The story line was also really great. I recommend this book to people who relate to this.
March 21, 2011
Paulsen amazes me on a regular basis. There were several times through this story that I could picture my students, especially the boys, laughing out loud. (There were times I did as well) Can't wait to book talk this one.
March 19, 2014
This was about the funniest book ive read and a lot of Lies in the book but mostly funny
May 5, 2015
Kevin is what you call an expert liar, and when he falls in love he does what ever he can to become perfect boyfriend material. But as he lies a bit to much he has to confess the truth.
March 26, 2019
Personal Response
Personally, I thought that Liar, Liar was a very good book. It is for younger reading levels, but I am sure more kids of a high school level will understand it as I really was able to put myself into positions Kevin, the main character of the book, had been in. I thought the book was fun to read and very easy. Liar, Liar had a lot of action filled pages as we go along in the story which is probably why I liked it so much.
Plot Summary
Liar, Liar is book based around countless lies. Kevin has lied many times and will not stop until he is caught. It is not his intentions to use his lies to benefit himself. Things in Kevinś life start to get complicated when he starts to fall in love with a girl named Tina. From all of the many lies that Kevin has told, to who is keeping count, will he resort back to the truth or go on over and over again on making people more mixed in what he is saying?
Characterization
In the book Liar, Liar Kevin is our main character. He is a master liar only saying what someone wants to hear. As Kevin has the most fun he has ever had, he begins to fall in love with a girl named Tina who does not approve of this lying. When Kevin realized this his lies became more of trying to convince her that he was boyfriend material. In the end, Kevin knew that it would also get to the point where the lies out of hand, so the last thing he could end up admitting to was the truth. Kevin was then not so much a liar anymore as he joined and did every lie he ever coughed up.
Recommendations
Liar, Liar is a short book, but it has a lot of action filled pages which makes it very enjoyable to anyone. This is a great book for all ages, although I would recommend this book to ages that vary around 10-16 years old. This book can also be read if you like easy quick reads. Liar, Liar has very simple basic words but can be read at a high school level if needed to be. In the end, this comical book is recommended to any ages.
Personally, I thought that Liar, Liar was a very good book. It is for younger reading levels, but I am sure more kids of a high school level will understand it as I really was able to put myself into positions Kevin, the main character of the book, had been in. I thought the book was fun to read and very easy. Liar, Liar had a lot of action filled pages as we go along in the story which is probably why I liked it so much.
Plot Summary
Liar, Liar is book based around countless lies. Kevin has lied many times and will not stop until he is caught. It is not his intentions to use his lies to benefit himself. Things in Kevinś life start to get complicated when he starts to fall in love with a girl named Tina. From all of the many lies that Kevin has told, to who is keeping count, will he resort back to the truth or go on over and over again on making people more mixed in what he is saying?
Characterization
In the book Liar, Liar Kevin is our main character. He is a master liar only saying what someone wants to hear. As Kevin has the most fun he has ever had, he begins to fall in love with a girl named Tina who does not approve of this lying. When Kevin realized this his lies became more of trying to convince her that he was boyfriend material. In the end, Kevin knew that it would also get to the point where the lies out of hand, so the last thing he could end up admitting to was the truth. Kevin was then not so much a liar anymore as he joined and did every lie he ever coughed up.
Recommendations
Liar, Liar is a short book, but it has a lot of action filled pages which makes it very enjoyable to anyone. This is a great book for all ages, although I would recommend this book to ages that vary around 10-16 years old. This book can also be read if you like easy quick reads. Liar, Liar has very simple basic words but can be read at a high school level if needed to be. In the end, this comical book is recommended to any ages.
October 23, 2018
Found this on my shelves and read it in practically one sitting. Very fast read. It was refreshing to read this genre that almost doesn't exist anymore--it's definitely YA in that the MC is older and in some of the themes, but it feels middle grade. It almost threw me off because I don't know who I would give it to. Maybe a middle-schooler with a lower reading level? Easy, fast read, more or less child-friendly. Reminds me of Stargirl but simpler. Didn't feel very developed since it was so short, but it was fun and made me laugh
September 15, 2022
I read this to help my 11 year old with a book report and wow. Talk about a book that is not at all geared to me. He loved it. He really related to Kevin and his whole struggle.
I could not stand Kevin. He’s smug, enjoys being a liar, thinks he knows better than everyone including all the adults, is manipulative to so many people around him. That whole business with Aunt Buzz, the IRS, and the bank is jacked up.
I guess if you are or know a 10-12 year old, then you’ll love this book. I legit hated it. I gave it 2 stars because my kid loved it.
I could not stand Kevin. He’s smug, enjoys being a liar, thinks he knows better than everyone including all the adults, is manipulative to so many people around him. That whole business with Aunt Buzz, the IRS, and the bank is jacked up.
I guess if you are or know a 10-12 year old, then you’ll love this book. I legit hated it. I gave it 2 stars because my kid loved it.
February 2, 2021
An interesting book about a kid who's really good at lying. However his talent is about to do him wrong instead of good. Will he continue to lie, or will he change his talent and his mistakes along with them.
April 15, 2014
Kevin is a fourteen year-old eighth grader with a big lying problem. However, he fails to recognize it as a “problem” and rather sees it as a tool to be used to better not just the lives of others but the life of the number one most important person ever, Kevin himself (in his opinion). Written in a humorous, sometimes very sarcastic style, Liar, Liar is Kevin’s first person account of one week during eighth grade when his lying got quite out of control. It captures the self-focused attitude common in this age group, as well as many of the coming-of-age struggles that kids face. Thankfully, by the end of the book, Kevin discovers (at least somewhat) that he is not quite the center of the universe and that his lying is affecting everyone in a negative way. In an act of self-preservation, Kevin starts telling the truth.
I think the audience of this book would be 5th through 8th grade boys. It explores issues related to puberty, young romance, family struggles, and morality, making it a contemporary realistic fiction novel. While the story does humorously teach a strong moral value (truth-telling), I would be hesitant to include it in classroom instruction in any formal way because it may have the unintended consequence of implying to students that they are “number one” and that others around them are tools to use for their personal enjoyment, betterment, disdain, and disposal. Even though Kevin learns at the end that lying is not in his best interest, his moral lesson is still selfishly motivated—he stops lying because it is bad for him, not because it hurts other people (and if it does hurt others, it is still a secondary consequence). The book also teaches that the consequences for destructive behaviors are just not that bad and are even something to be laughed off.
I think the audience of this book would be 5th through 8th grade boys. It explores issues related to puberty, young romance, family struggles, and morality, making it a contemporary realistic fiction novel. While the story does humorously teach a strong moral value (truth-telling), I would be hesitant to include it in classroom instruction in any formal way because it may have the unintended consequence of implying to students that they are “number one” and that others around them are tools to use for their personal enjoyment, betterment, disdain, and disposal. Even though Kevin learns at the end that lying is not in his best interest, his moral lesson is still selfishly motivated—he stops lying because it is bad for him, not because it hurts other people (and if it does hurt others, it is still a secondary consequence). The book also teaches that the consequences for destructive behaviors are just not that bad and are even something to be laughed off.
August 15, 2011
For a Gary Paulsen book, this was a bit of a disappointment. Kevin is a likable enough main character, and I liked the basic premise of Kevin going through life lying right and left, but then getting caught in one (or many!) of his lies and dealing with the consequences. The cover and basic premise makes the book seem innocent enough, but there are a few mature references that I could have done without. Not enough to make me take the book out of my library, but I will be cautious about which kids I push this book towards. In addition, the ending was a bit corny and a bit too tidy for my taste.
June 7, 2011
The main character, Kevin, spends the first half of the book lying about many different things to many different people, all for his own personal gain. He spends the second half of the book atoning for his sins. Unfortunately, the book is just too heavy-handed. I did enjoy Paulson's use of the one word "sentence" when emphasizing how Kevin is feeling. It was well done. I also enjoyed the books one poignant, believable moment, when Kevin babysits his young neighbor, Markie, and talks about divorce. This is not one of Paulson's best books.
October 17, 2017
I think this book is very interesting. Overtime I realized that this book has caught my attention every time I started reading it and I never wanted to put it down. Gary Paulsen is my favorite author and this book defiantly makes me love him even more. I give this book a three star.
October 25, 2016
I liked this one! Nothing too deep but good fun, funny parts, and a few lessons along the way. Many great sub plots. I could see kids really enjoying this one!
January 16, 2015
Liar, Liar
Rita Jillabi
12 Dec 2014
7-1
Everyone lies a bit; at least once in a lifetime but for Kevin it’s a secondary language. Kevin is an ordinary 8th grader with ordinary parents and but his life evolves around lying. In Kevin’s perspective lying causes anything else but good. He tells his parents only what’s expected from him “No, I don’t have any dirty dishes under my bed, I had a good day and I did my homework, or I’d love to drive 116 miles to go to a flea market and look for antique cookie jars and old memorabilia with you and Dad this weekend”. A good lie furthers his agenda every day as when Katie Knowles became his social studies partner for the final project. Katie is the nerd of the class she probably already planned in which collage she is going too, with all the extra credit she has she can already graduate. She thinks middle school is not useful so she decided to take extra classes. Kevin prefers being with his friends rather than working on the S.S project with Katie so he decided to invent a little white lie. He said he had a deadly disease that only 3% of people on this planet have. Katie scared to die before getting her degree and living the perfect life decided to report the project to another day. These are some reasons and examples why Kevin lies a lot in his daily life.
Kevin is a big liar and troublemaker, but how can he trick people that well? Kevin has his little tips to lie and trick, this paragraph will cover the two main ones so far in the book. As Kevin says “A good lie starts with an element of truth”. Kevin is in love of Tina so he needed to buy new clothes so that he could impress her. To gain her heart Kevin decided to invent a lie that could change everything. He needed an element of truth too start off with. The problem was that he never lied too a girl because he barely talks to them. With the exception of Katie that he does not treat like a girl, and how could he even lie to a girl with his mouth closed. He started by saying to her what was good about him and then he started inventing bad stuff about the other boys so that he could seduce her. The second tip was if you have a good lie you can use it more than once no one will even notice. The Operation Tina was not done yet and Kevin needed to find a lie that could help him seduce Tina, so he decided to use the same lie again and wish it will work better this time. These are the two advises that could help your lying skills develop.
Every lie like everything around has an advantage and a disadvantage. Kevin is know facing a hard state because he is a teenager he has too start assuming his responsibility’s, and he is know falling in love of a girl which is very difficult to get. The advantages of lying were to win the heart of someone he loves. The example in the book that shows that lying works was when Tina invited him to her party that chose that she thinks about him. The disadvantage is that latter on if Tina falls in love of him this love wont be gained fairly along with all the lies he said. What is meant is that the lies he lied are going to turn against him later on. Also, if they finish by discovering the truth Kevin will lose their trust and there friendship along and it might be harder to gain threw time, as stated in the book by his siblings. These are the reasons why lying might be useful or not.
Rita Jillabi
19 Dec 2014
7-1
Kev after failing his first trial with Tina, soon came up with a way that might change the course of things. Tina’s best friend Connie Shaw was in the student government just like Kev and Tina. It was a perfect occasion for him to become friends with Connie and crack the inner circle so that Tina talks to him. “So I’d learn all I could about Tina’s BFF’s,find a way to make nice i them, crack the inner circle and then, ding ding ding, Tina would notice me and talk to me and, one thing leading to another, before you know it, I’d be her official boyfriend”(Paulsen45). All wasn’t perfect something prevented him from reaching his goals it was JonPaul; the cool guy who wanted Tina too. “All the while, I was watching Tina and getting more annoyed by JonPaul, who whispered to her the entire meeting”(Paulsen49). To conclude Kev envies a lot JonPaul but did not give up on Tina and is determined to achieve his goals whatever happens.
Through these last chapters Kev had lied multiple times, using various ways and specifying different tips and methods. One of them was a good lie has an outcome advantageous to all parties. Now that Kev is Connie's friend she decided to help him because she noticed the way he was spotting her at the student government meeting. To pay Connie back he asked Katie to try hanging out with Connie because their minds working together could rule the world and they’re both very handy to have around. «Then, when Tina and I were finally dating, I’d make sure Connie and Katie had the chance to hang out together and get to be BFF’s” (Paulsen50).The second advice was a good lie has humor and style. For example when JonPaul came over to Kev’s house they were talking about Tina and how they met each other. Then Kev decided to lie and tell him that they loved each other so badly and that so many things happened between them. All in all there are multitudes of ways to lie and this paragraph covers some ways that may help you're lying skills develop.
In the book Liar, Liar by Gary Paulsen the themes are trust and determination. Trust means a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something. Trust is earned not give just like respect. If you lose trust you might lose everything. Kev lies a lot but never got caught but at the end he will pay for his actions. The second theme is determination which means having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it. For example Kev is in deeply in love of Tina even if he had many obstacles to face as JonPaul he still was determined to achieve his goal and date Tina. These are the two main themes covered so far in this book.
Rita Jillabi
Jan 9th 2015
7-1
Chapter eight was based on Kevin’s great effort , growth and more. One way Kevin showed growth was by having determination. For example when Kevin stood up to talk to Tina and have a true conversation this was a sign of growth because he got over his shyness. The second way Kevin demonstrated growth through the chapter was by overcoming some of his obstacles. For example Kevin at the beginning of the story was a bit jealous of Jon Paul but recently he tried to change things to his advantage and that lowered tensions a bit “JonPaul and his cousin, you know, the one in college they all call Goober? Well, they have tickets for Blind Rage concert festival at Kane Country Fairgrounds this weekend and they want to sell me one and take me with them”(Paulsen68). These are two ways that determine growth.
Many events occurred during chapter nine. One main event was when Kevin started getting in trouble for his lies. Kevin lies every day, pretends he is the best at that and believes there is no bad side to it, but soon he learns that even the whitest lie has a dark side to it. For example when he came back from school he told his parents he finished his homework but he toke a little break and started checking messages and totally forgot about homework afterwards his parents discovered it and he lost their trust. Which leads to the second important thing covered which was that trust is a hard thing to gain. As the novel moves on one can predict that Kevin is probably going to lose more and more peoples trust .The last event that occurred was that Kevin became deeply in love with Tina more than usual he had to gain her heart it almost becomes torture “I watched Tina during class and at lunch and in the hall and on the way to the bus, and she was still so pretty that she made my heart twist” (Paulsen80). These are the two main themes and events occurring in chapter nine.
The novel Liar, Liar is full of lessons and tips that can help you create a better lie. Each chapter has his own lesson and lies. Two lessons have been covered threw the last chapters one of them is a good lie takes a life on its own. For example when Kevin lied to Daniel about the tickets of the concert even if everybody knew Kevin had them Daniel never knew it was a lie and thought he did not get the tickets. The second lesson covered was a good lie shows you the truth it is related to one of the first lessons which was a good lie should have an element of truth .They are connected because if you have an element of truth then it’s closer to reality and one is most likely to trust you . For example when Kev lied to Tina so that he can gain her heart at the beginning of the novel he had to say true facts so that she can trust him afterwards. These are the two lessons taught from the last chapters.
Rita Jillabi
1/16/16
7-1
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” this quote by Winston Churchill relates in diverse ways to “Chapter 10” because it is in relation to the theme of determination. Unfortunately Kev keeps on telling lies to his siblings and other close friends. The book is almost coming to an end and Kev is starting to realize that lying is not the right thing to do. Kev’s lies have caused a lot of damage at home with his family members and with his friends. “When I got home I avoided my family. Or they avoided me. Every door in the house was closed, with someone behind it. Alone. Even the door to the basement was shut, which meant that either Mom or Dad had camped out downstairs rather than share their room with each other. And Buzz didn’t swing by our kitchen on her way up to her apartment to say hi like she always does” (Paulsen89).Lies also affected Kev’s learning. For example, Katie and Kev were supposed to do a project together but he was scared to ruin his reputation by working with her. He believed it was a lot better to go play with his friends, so he lied to Katie and told her he was sick of an unknown disease and that he could not do the project. Katie did the project alone. Kev has one week to complete his own project and Katie noticed he was a liar. “I’m going to hand the project as mine alone” “What about me?” “You’ll have to do your own” “But it’s due next Friday! Everyone else had an extra week and a partner” “Then you’ll have to make really good use of your time” (Paulsen92). These are the damages that Kev’s lies have caused.
Actions speak louder than words Kev apologizes over and over, but if his actions don’t change the words become meaningless. In “Chapter 11” Kev recognizes that he got himself in a big mess and he did not know exactly what he would do but he knew how he would do it. Kev shows a lot of determination and will to reach his goal by working harder and actually making things happen. “I was on my own. I’d gotten myself into this mess, and I had no one to turn to for help to get out of it. So I went where I always go when I don’t know what to do. I headed for the library to organize my thoughts and hammer out a battle plan” (Paulsen97).Kev also showed great courage and honesty when he went to tell the truth to the teacher and apologized to Katie. All in all Kev showed great honesty, courage, and determination threw out the chapter.
The novel Liar, Liar is all about lessons and tips that can help you be a better liar. The first one is a good lie can turn on you. For example when Kev lied to Katie about the disease, which is the reason why he didn’t do the project. After it turned back on him because he thought she will do everything but then he had even less time and had to do the entire project alone. The second lesson covered was a good lie requires a great apology. Apologizing is crucial in life certainly when you make big mistakes as lying because it always turns back on you. For example when his family members were mad at him he apologized but most of the time it is not enough which is the case. This is the reason why Kev has to act .These are the two lessons taught from these last chapters.
Rita Jillabi
12 Dec 2014
7-1
Everyone lies a bit; at least once in a lifetime but for Kevin it’s a secondary language. Kevin is an ordinary 8th grader with ordinary parents and but his life evolves around lying. In Kevin’s perspective lying causes anything else but good. He tells his parents only what’s expected from him “No, I don’t have any dirty dishes under my bed, I had a good day and I did my homework, or I’d love to drive 116 miles to go to a flea market and look for antique cookie jars and old memorabilia with you and Dad this weekend”. A good lie furthers his agenda every day as when Katie Knowles became his social studies partner for the final project. Katie is the nerd of the class she probably already planned in which collage she is going too, with all the extra credit she has she can already graduate. She thinks middle school is not useful so she decided to take extra classes. Kevin prefers being with his friends rather than working on the S.S project with Katie so he decided to invent a little white lie. He said he had a deadly disease that only 3% of people on this planet have. Katie scared to die before getting her degree and living the perfect life decided to report the project to another day. These are some reasons and examples why Kevin lies a lot in his daily life.
Kevin is a big liar and troublemaker, but how can he trick people that well? Kevin has his little tips to lie and trick, this paragraph will cover the two main ones so far in the book. As Kevin says “A good lie starts with an element of truth”. Kevin is in love of Tina so he needed to buy new clothes so that he could impress her. To gain her heart Kevin decided to invent a lie that could change everything. He needed an element of truth too start off with. The problem was that he never lied too a girl because he barely talks to them. With the exception of Katie that he does not treat like a girl, and how could he even lie to a girl with his mouth closed. He started by saying to her what was good about him and then he started inventing bad stuff about the other boys so that he could seduce her. The second tip was if you have a good lie you can use it more than once no one will even notice. The Operation Tina was not done yet and Kevin needed to find a lie that could help him seduce Tina, so he decided to use the same lie again and wish it will work better this time. These are the two advises that could help your lying skills develop.
Every lie like everything around has an advantage and a disadvantage. Kevin is know facing a hard state because he is a teenager he has too start assuming his responsibility’s, and he is know falling in love of a girl which is very difficult to get. The advantages of lying were to win the heart of someone he loves. The example in the book that shows that lying works was when Tina invited him to her party that chose that she thinks about him. The disadvantage is that latter on if Tina falls in love of him this love wont be gained fairly along with all the lies he said. What is meant is that the lies he lied are going to turn against him later on. Also, if they finish by discovering the truth Kevin will lose their trust and there friendship along and it might be harder to gain threw time, as stated in the book by his siblings. These are the reasons why lying might be useful or not.
Rita Jillabi
19 Dec 2014
7-1
Kev after failing his first trial with Tina, soon came up with a way that might change the course of things. Tina’s best friend Connie Shaw was in the student government just like Kev and Tina. It was a perfect occasion for him to become friends with Connie and crack the inner circle so that Tina talks to him. “So I’d learn all I could about Tina’s BFF’s,find a way to make nice i them, crack the inner circle and then, ding ding ding, Tina would notice me and talk to me and, one thing leading to another, before you know it, I’d be her official boyfriend”(Paulsen45). All wasn’t perfect something prevented him from reaching his goals it was JonPaul; the cool guy who wanted Tina too. “All the while, I was watching Tina and getting more annoyed by JonPaul, who whispered to her the entire meeting”(Paulsen49). To conclude Kev envies a lot JonPaul but did not give up on Tina and is determined to achieve his goals whatever happens.
Through these last chapters Kev had lied multiple times, using various ways and specifying different tips and methods. One of them was a good lie has an outcome advantageous to all parties. Now that Kev is Connie's friend she decided to help him because she noticed the way he was spotting her at the student government meeting. To pay Connie back he asked Katie to try hanging out with Connie because their minds working together could rule the world and they’re both very handy to have around. «Then, when Tina and I were finally dating, I’d make sure Connie and Katie had the chance to hang out together and get to be BFF’s” (Paulsen50).The second advice was a good lie has humor and style. For example when JonPaul came over to Kev’s house they were talking about Tina and how they met each other. Then Kev decided to lie and tell him that they loved each other so badly and that so many things happened between them. All in all there are multitudes of ways to lie and this paragraph covers some ways that may help you're lying skills develop.
In the book Liar, Liar by Gary Paulsen the themes are trust and determination. Trust means a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something. Trust is earned not give just like respect. If you lose trust you might lose everything. Kev lies a lot but never got caught but at the end he will pay for his actions. The second theme is determination which means having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it. For example Kev is in deeply in love of Tina even if he had many obstacles to face as JonPaul he still was determined to achieve his goal and date Tina. These are the two main themes covered so far in this book.
Rita Jillabi
Jan 9th 2015
7-1
Chapter eight was based on Kevin’s great effort , growth and more. One way Kevin showed growth was by having determination. For example when Kevin stood up to talk to Tina and have a true conversation this was a sign of growth because he got over his shyness. The second way Kevin demonstrated growth through the chapter was by overcoming some of his obstacles. For example Kevin at the beginning of the story was a bit jealous of Jon Paul but recently he tried to change things to his advantage and that lowered tensions a bit “JonPaul and his cousin, you know, the one in college they all call Goober? Well, they have tickets for Blind Rage concert festival at Kane Country Fairgrounds this weekend and they want to sell me one and take me with them”(Paulsen68). These are two ways that determine growth.
Many events occurred during chapter nine. One main event was when Kevin started getting in trouble for his lies. Kevin lies every day, pretends he is the best at that and believes there is no bad side to it, but soon he learns that even the whitest lie has a dark side to it. For example when he came back from school he told his parents he finished his homework but he toke a little break and started checking messages and totally forgot about homework afterwards his parents discovered it and he lost their trust. Which leads to the second important thing covered which was that trust is a hard thing to gain. As the novel moves on one can predict that Kevin is probably going to lose more and more peoples trust .The last event that occurred was that Kevin became deeply in love with Tina more than usual he had to gain her heart it almost becomes torture “I watched Tina during class and at lunch and in the hall and on the way to the bus, and she was still so pretty that she made my heart twist” (Paulsen80). These are the two main themes and events occurring in chapter nine.
The novel Liar, Liar is full of lessons and tips that can help you create a better lie. Each chapter has his own lesson and lies. Two lessons have been covered threw the last chapters one of them is a good lie takes a life on its own. For example when Kevin lied to Daniel about the tickets of the concert even if everybody knew Kevin had them Daniel never knew it was a lie and thought he did not get the tickets. The second lesson covered was a good lie shows you the truth it is related to one of the first lessons which was a good lie should have an element of truth .They are connected because if you have an element of truth then it’s closer to reality and one is most likely to trust you . For example when Kev lied to Tina so that he can gain her heart at the beginning of the novel he had to say true facts so that she can trust him afterwards. These are the two lessons taught from the last chapters.
Rita Jillabi
1/16/16
7-1
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” this quote by Winston Churchill relates in diverse ways to “Chapter 10” because it is in relation to the theme of determination. Unfortunately Kev keeps on telling lies to his siblings and other close friends. The book is almost coming to an end and Kev is starting to realize that lying is not the right thing to do. Kev’s lies have caused a lot of damage at home with his family members and with his friends. “When I got home I avoided my family. Or they avoided me. Every door in the house was closed, with someone behind it. Alone. Even the door to the basement was shut, which meant that either Mom or Dad had camped out downstairs rather than share their room with each other. And Buzz didn’t swing by our kitchen on her way up to her apartment to say hi like she always does” (Paulsen89).Lies also affected Kev’s learning. For example, Katie and Kev were supposed to do a project together but he was scared to ruin his reputation by working with her. He believed it was a lot better to go play with his friends, so he lied to Katie and told her he was sick of an unknown disease and that he could not do the project. Katie did the project alone. Kev has one week to complete his own project and Katie noticed he was a liar. “I’m going to hand the project as mine alone” “What about me?” “You’ll have to do your own” “But it’s due next Friday! Everyone else had an extra week and a partner” “Then you’ll have to make really good use of your time” (Paulsen92). These are the damages that Kev’s lies have caused.
Actions speak louder than words Kev apologizes over and over, but if his actions don’t change the words become meaningless. In “Chapter 11” Kev recognizes that he got himself in a big mess and he did not know exactly what he would do but he knew how he would do it. Kev shows a lot of determination and will to reach his goal by working harder and actually making things happen. “I was on my own. I’d gotten myself into this mess, and I had no one to turn to for help to get out of it. So I went where I always go when I don’t know what to do. I headed for the library to organize my thoughts and hammer out a battle plan” (Paulsen97).Kev also showed great courage and honesty when he went to tell the truth to the teacher and apologized to Katie. All in all Kev showed great honesty, courage, and determination threw out the chapter.
The novel Liar, Liar is all about lessons and tips that can help you be a better liar. The first one is a good lie can turn on you. For example when Kev lied to Katie about the disease, which is the reason why he didn’t do the project. After it turned back on him because he thought she will do everything but then he had even less time and had to do the entire project alone. The second lesson covered was a good lie requires a great apology. Apologizing is crucial in life certainly when you make big mistakes as lying because it always turns back on you. For example when his family members were mad at him he apologized but most of the time it is not enough which is the case. This is the reason why Kev has to act .These are the two lessons taught from these last chapters.
February 3, 2022
I can relate to the character named Kaite. So, yea, I got a lot of insight out of this book. I wish I read it years ago.
Lately I have had some trouble with folks in age range of 12-14 who, shall we say, have selective memory. And being the "Katie" sort of person that I am, I researched what to do about it. Somehow, I ended up reading this book because a reviewer on a bookseller website stated that it had helped her gain perspective with the same issues I am dealing with. Even though much of tale is far-fetched, the book did help me become more open-minded and relaxed. Teens and tweens are very much like the character Kevin: a people pleaser with a good heart but developing work-ethic and self-awareness. The book helped me to lighten up a little bit, but also think about my boundaries and how to respond.
I loved the humor in the book and sparse saltiness. I also loved that underneath the light-hearted scenarios were some very heavy complexities that carry the weight of the moral/ethical teaching in the book. I recommend it to any tween/teen ager and parents and teachers working with folks who have trouble with "selective memory".
Lately I have had some trouble with folks in age range of 12-14 who, shall we say, have selective memory. And being the "Katie" sort of person that I am, I researched what to do about it. Somehow, I ended up reading this book because a reviewer on a bookseller website stated that it had helped her gain perspective with the same issues I am dealing with. Even though much of tale is far-fetched, the book did help me become more open-minded and relaxed. Teens and tweens are very much like the character Kevin: a people pleaser with a good heart but developing work-ethic and self-awareness. The book helped me to lighten up a little bit, but also think about my boundaries and how to respond.
I loved the humor in the book and sparse saltiness. I also loved that underneath the light-hearted scenarios were some very heavy complexities that carry the weight of the moral/ethical teaching in the book. I recommend it to any tween/teen ager and parents and teachers working with folks who have trouble with "selective memory".
May 17, 2017
Kevin is a liar. A straight up LIAR. The conflict and the characterization in the book Liar, Liar makes this a great book for the younger generation.
The main conflict in this book is Kevin trying to get Tina as his girlfriend. Along the way he lies to teachers, friends, and peers. For instance he tells his Spanish teacher that he needs to help the wrestling team but he really goes to see Tina during her free period. This is important because at the end of the story, he admits to every lie he's made by writing notes to his teachers and friends.
Also the characterization in this book sets it apart. JonPaul is a germaphobe and hates germs. He goes to extreme measures to make sure his body is cleansed and healthy. This is ironic because he is the best football player in the grade and is a freak athlete. Also Kevin's aunt, Buzz, is a frantic artist. She gave her car to the three kids and walks to work. Both of these characters having unique characteristics add not just comedy, but also conflict.
Overall liar liar is a great book with a great conflict and a great setting
The main conflict in this book is Kevin trying to get Tina as his girlfriend. Along the way he lies to teachers, friends, and peers. For instance he tells his Spanish teacher that he needs to help the wrestling team but he really goes to see Tina during her free period. This is important because at the end of the story, he admits to every lie he's made by writing notes to his teachers and friends.
Also the characterization in this book sets it apart. JonPaul is a germaphobe and hates germs. He goes to extreme measures to make sure his body is cleansed and healthy. This is ironic because he is the best football player in the grade and is a freak athlete. Also Kevin's aunt, Buzz, is a frantic artist. She gave her car to the three kids and walks to work. Both of these characters having unique characteristics add not just comedy, but also conflict.
Overall liar liar is a great book with a great conflict and a great setting
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2023
Top five reasons to read to read Liar,Liar by Garry Paulsen
1. What made it impossible to stop reading it: reading the book as a teen i realised that the book is similar to my pears and myself in a fue way .Like they way like the way they act and they way that act when they see when other people that they like.
2.The lesson others can learn from this book is lying is the best policy
3.Theme converted by the book is lying is sometimes best to do ,because in the text Kevin made lies to
get something he wanted that he never knew he ever wanted until now.
4.cool characters,Kevin the liar,Tina charming ,Kate a interesting character that fall for lies.each one brings something special to the story.
5.Amazing Description: You feel like if the story is your story when reading this book it's amazing what the author can do to feel your in the main characters shoes.
liar liar,isn't just a book;it's a book that teens like me can enjoy and see how other teens are like.Give it a shot you won't be disappointed.
1. What made it impossible to stop reading it: reading the book as a teen i realised that the book is similar to my pears and myself in a fue way .Like they way like the way they act and they way that act when they see when other people that they like.
2.The lesson others can learn from this book is lying is the best policy
3.Theme converted by the book is lying is sometimes best to do ,because in the text Kevin made lies to
get something he wanted that he never knew he ever wanted until now.
4.cool characters,Kevin the liar,Tina charming ,Kate a interesting character that fall for lies.each one brings something special to the story.
5.Amazing Description: You feel like if the story is your story when reading this book it's amazing what the author can do to feel your in the main characters shoes.
liar liar,isn't just a book;it's a book that teens like me can enjoy and see how other teens are like.Give it a shot you won't be disappointed.
April 30, 2022
Plot Summary
In this book, Kevin is a habitual liar, and good at it too. He knows this, and uses it to his advantage with his parents, classmates, and teachers. At some point though, all the lies come back to get him, and he has to turn a new page and escape the hole he dug for himself.
Personal Reaction/Critical Insight
I listened to the audiobook version of this story and it was my first audiobook experience, which was pretty interesting. I think that it worked well that the book was narrated from Kevin’s perspective for this. I appreciate that the book got serious, despite being mostly silly and all about lying. It was important for Kevin to see the consequences of his actions, but I also thought that the situation between his parents is an important story to tell, especially from the perspective of a kid.
Suggested Audience
I think this book works for grade school kids and older. The narration is easy to follow and the characters are pretty relatable.
In this book, Kevin is a habitual liar, and good at it too. He knows this, and uses it to his advantage with his parents, classmates, and teachers. At some point though, all the lies come back to get him, and he has to turn a new page and escape the hole he dug for himself.
Personal Reaction/Critical Insight
I listened to the audiobook version of this story and it was my first audiobook experience, which was pretty interesting. I think that it worked well that the book was narrated from Kevin’s perspective for this. I appreciate that the book got serious, despite being mostly silly and all about lying. It was important for Kevin to see the consequences of his actions, but I also thought that the situation between his parents is an important story to tell, especially from the perspective of a kid.
Suggested Audience
I think this book works for grade school kids and older. The narration is easy to follow and the characters are pretty relatable.
July 24, 2018
Whoa. Whoa. Whoa. Stop the presses. How did I miss this? Why aren't kids grabbing this just at fast as they grab Angleberger and Patterson books? I'm a huge Hatchet fan and I had no idea Paulsen is so funny. I guess everyone else also has no idea.
So here's the deal. Kevin lies. A lot. But he's convinced himself that he's actually doing the world a service. Why? Because lies do one of two things. 1) They make people happier and 2) they help people learn valuable lessons. People love him, because he is so good at lying. He's just discovered the wonderfully, exceptional Tina and he's going to use his expert lying skills to convince her that he is the perfect boyfriend.
Paulsen proves he's a pro at this humor thing. I'll be pushing this one now that I've read it.
So here's the deal. Kevin lies. A lot. But he's convinced himself that he's actually doing the world a service. Why? Because lies do one of two things. 1) They make people happier and 2) they help people learn valuable lessons. People love him, because he is so good at lying. He's just discovered the wonderfully, exceptional Tina and he's going to use his expert lying skills to convince her that he is the perfect boyfriend.
Paulsen proves he's a pro at this humor thing. I'll be pushing this one now that I've read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 348 reviews