Grade 8
Summer Reading Study Guide
Liar and Spy
1. Know the meaning of the following words:
 Premonition-a feeling of anticipation or anxiety over a future event
 Cumulative-increasing or growing by successive additions
 Simultaneously-operating at the same time
 Surge-a strong forward movement
 Seurat-French post-impressionistic painter
 Scrawled-to write or draw in an awkward manner
 Spindly- tall or long and thin appearance that suggests physical weakness
 Exasperation-extreme annoyance
 Splotches-an irregularly shaped spot, stain, or discolored area
 Debate-discussion of questions of public interest
 Potential-possible as opposed to actual
 Espionage-the practice of spying
 Furtive-done by stealth; obtained underhandedly
 Bittersweet-pleasure mixed with pain
 Reform-to change into an improved form or condition
 Guck-oozy sloppy dirt or debris
 Umami-a savory taste
 Destiny-a predetermined course of events
 Bohemians-a person who lives free of regard of conventional rules
 Downsizing-reducing the number of employees in a company
 Sprucing-trim in dress or appearance
 Avian-relating to birds
 Infuriating-tending to cause anger or outrage
 Stamina-staying power; endurance
 Bounding-tied; in bonds
 Absurdity- a thing that is extremely unreasonable so as to be not taken seriously
 Glutamate-key compound in cellular metabolism
 Scornfully-the expression of contempt towards a person
 Speculative-theoretical rather than demonstrable
 Novice-a person who is inexperienced in a certain task
 Parched-to make dry, hot, or thirsty
2. A theme in the novel discusses the importance of looking at the Big Picture as well as the
Small Moments in life. Cite evidence on how the author establishes both perspectives.
3. The concept of following rules is questioned in the novel. Cite evidence on how the
author challenges the notion that rules are meant to be followed.
4. In the novel, fear is the driving force that shapes the behavior of Georges and Safer. Cite
evidence from the text that demonstrates the impact fear had on the behavior of these
characters.
5. Describe what the author’s meant from the quote below:
The last part of Mom’s plane trip was a long moment when the plane was gliding over
the runway in London, just barely off the ground. The sun was up, and the world was
normal size again, but the wheels had not touched the earth. She suddenly knew
everything would be all right. And that, she said, was a beautiful feeling.