Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead (grades 5-8) takes place in Brooklyn, NY. The protagonist is Georges, a 7th grade boy who is teased mercilessly about his name, particularly the "s" on the end.  In addition to the bullying, he is going through some rough times; his dad has been laid-off and his family has downsized from a house to an apartment.  Georges meets a new neighbors, an eclectic family in his new building and learns something about friendship, lying and spying.