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Zach's Lie #1
Zach's Lie
Jack Osborne's life changes forever the night men in masks break into his house, threaten Jack and his family, and ransack their home. Jack then discovers the reason these men have come into their lives-his father has been arrested for drug trafficking.
Jack, his mother, and his sister are then forced to enter Witness Security Program. Jack becomes "Zach" and moves to Elko, Nevada, a town in the middle of nowhere. There he meets Sam, the strangest school custodian he has ever encountered, and Catalin, a girl who might make Zach's uprooting worth the trouble. But just as Zach finally begins to piece together a new life, he finds himself in danger again-and this time his actions could determine the fates of everyone he cares about.
Jack, his mother, and his sister are then forced to enter Witness Security Program. Jack becomes "Zach" and moves to Elko, Nevada, a town in the middle of nowhere. There he meets Sam, the strangest school custodian he has ever encountered, and Catalin, a girl who might make Zach's uprooting worth the trouble. But just as Zach finally begins to piece together a new life, he finds himself in danger again-and this time his actions could determine the fates of everyone he cares about.
224 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2001
About the author
Roland Smith
147 books813 followersRoland Smith is an American author of young adult fiction as well as nonfiction books for children.
Smith was born in Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Portland State University and, following a part-time job at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, began a 20-year career as a zookeeper, both at the Oregon Zoo and the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington. After working to save wildlife following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, in 1990, he published his first book, Sea Otter Rescue, a non-fiction account of the process of animal rescue. Smith continued to draw upon his zoo experiences for other non-fiction titles, including Journey of the Red Wolf, which won an Oregon Book Award in 1996.
In 1997, Smith published his first novel, Thundercave. The book continues Smith's theme, as teenage protagonist Jacob Lansa follows his biologist father to Africa where the father is researching elephants. The Lansa character also appears in 1999
s Jaguar and 2001's The Last Lobo. Other novels by Smith include The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe, Zach's Lie, Jack's Run, Cryptid Hunters, Sasquatch (novel), about a boy who searches for Bigfoot. Peak, the story of a teenage boy obsessed with climbing mountains, Elephant Run and Tentacles(novel). In 2008, Smith published the first book in the series I, Q, titled Independence Hall. Smith's books have won "Book of the Year" awards in Colorado, Nevada, South Carolina, and Florida, as well as in his native Oregon. Smith lives in Tualatin, Oregon with his wife and stepchildren.
Smith was born in Portland, Oregon, and graduated from Portland State University and, following a part-time job at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, began a 20-year career as a zookeeper, both at the Oregon Zoo and the Point Defiance Zoo in Tacoma, Washington. After working to save wildlife following the Exxon Valdez oil spill, in 1990, he published his first book, Sea Otter Rescue, a non-fiction account of the process of animal rescue. Smith continued to draw upon his zoo experiences for other non-fiction titles, including Journey of the Red Wolf, which won an Oregon Book Award in 1996.
In 1997, Smith published his first novel, Thundercave. The book continues Smith's theme, as teenage protagonist Jacob Lansa follows his biologist father to Africa where the father is researching elephants. The Lansa character also appears in 1999
s Jaguar and 2001's The Last Lobo. Other novels by Smith include The Captain's Dog: My Journey with the Lewis and Clark Tribe, Zach's Lie, Jack's Run, Cryptid Hunters, Sasquatch (novel), about a boy who searches for Bigfoot. Peak, the story of a teenage boy obsessed with climbing mountains, Elephant Run and Tentacles(novel). In 2008, Smith published the first book in the series I, Q, titled Independence Hall. Smith's books have won "Book of the Year" awards in Colorado, Nevada, South Carolina, and Florida, as well as in his native Oregon. Smith lives in Tualatin, Oregon with his wife and stepchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 469 reviews
December 2, 2022
When Jack Osborne's father was arrested for drug trafficking, and some men broke into their home and terrorized Jack's mother and sister, Jack had no idea just how much their lives were about to change. Entering the Witness Security Program was the first step, which included changing their names and where they lived. Leaving all their friends, their home and their lives behind, Zach, his mother and sister moved to the small town of Elko in Nevada.
Zach found it difficult to adjust to his new life, unlike his mum and sister. They adapted well, while Zach found it hard to make new friends at the local school. But he was befriended by Sam, the school custodian, and a girl in his class, Catalin. But he made an enemy of Peter. Unaware that danger was not far away, Zach rigidly kept his past to himself. But would that continue?
Zach's Lie is the first in the Zach's Lie series by Roland Smith, and is a fast paced YA adventure, filled with mystery, tension and threats. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and will look for #2 in the series soon. Recommended.
Zach found it difficult to adjust to his new life, unlike his mum and sister. They adapted well, while Zach found it hard to make new friends at the local school. But he was befriended by Sam, the school custodian, and a girl in his class, Catalin. But he made an enemy of Peter. Unaware that danger was not far away, Zach rigidly kept his past to himself. But would that continue?
Zach's Lie is the first in the Zach's Lie series by Roland Smith, and is a fast paced YA adventure, filled with mystery, tension and threats. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and will look for #2 in the series soon. Recommended.
January 23, 2010
My 12-year-old son brought this home from school last week as required reading for a class. The title summoned fears that it might be a bent book, so I had to examine it. After the first page, I was hooked! I had to find out how and what and why... and who. I felt like a detective looking for clues to piece the puzzle together at first, then on the edge of my seat as a spectator anticipating the worst but hoping for the best. My children heard me cry out in several parts in surprise and dismay as "the bad guys" found the family and made their evil plans.
The "lie" referred to in the title is that the family has to be relocated through the "witness security program" and change their identities in order to protect themselves.
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised and now have more confidence in my son's teacher and her choice of novels for youth because I think this one's a clincher to keep their attention and they may vicariously experience life lessons through it.
My favorite character was "Sam," the custodian. He felt real, human, and trustworthy from the get go. Oh, if every young man could have a mentor like him!
The "lie" referred to in the title is that the family has to be relocated through the "witness security program" and change their identities in order to protect themselves.
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised and now have more confidence in my son's teacher and her choice of novels for youth because I think this one's a clincher to keep their attention and they may vicariously experience life lessons through it.
My favorite character was "Sam," the custodian. He felt real, human, and trustworthy from the get go. Oh, if every young man could have a mentor like him!
March 31, 2012
First off: I'm nobodies mother.
That being said, I have some opinions on this book that contradict the things others have said.
I read this series in grade 7. Not because it was mandatory, I just picked it up at the library one day. I haven't read them since but I remember that I thought they were kick booty (because back then I couldn't say 'ass').
Let me tell you why....
That was the year that my dad got cancer. Things were really tough in my house. I just took to curling up with a book when I wanted to cry. The land of books is the best for escape, especially action stories. A straightforward tale full of bad guys and excitement is sometimes the best medicine.
Now, as a more educated reader, I can say no, it was not the most educational read. What can i say? Kids aren't the best critics. But these stories still hold a special place in my heart.
That being said, I have some opinions on this book that contradict the things others have said.
I read this series in grade 7. Not because it was mandatory, I just picked it up at the library one day. I haven't read them since but I remember that I thought they were kick booty (because back then I couldn't say 'ass').
Let me tell you why....
That was the year that my dad got cancer. Things were really tough in my house. I just took to curling up with a book when I wanted to cry. The land of books is the best for escape, especially action stories. A straightforward tale full of bad guys and excitement is sometimes the best medicine.
Now, as a more educated reader, I can say no, it was not the most educational read. What can i say? Kids aren't the best critics. But these stories still hold a special place in my heart.
Read
October 21, 2013Have you ever felt like you were living a lie? Like, right before breaking up with a girlfriend or boyfriend you pretend you still like them? Well, Zach’s lie is a bit bigger than that.
First, his name is Jack, not Zach. But he’ll never be able to use “Jack” again. Never.
Second, some guys broke into his house and duct-taped his mother, his sister and Jack on the couch. Then they held a phone up to his mom - and told her the only thing she could say to Jack’s father on the other end: they will kill us if you talk. When the police found them, they were happy. When the DEA found them a little later, they were shocked. Jack had no idea what was happening or had happened with his Dad to so completely mess up the family.
But that’s the way it was. Jack and his family (except for his Dad who's still in jail talking to the DEA) fly to parts unknown, start new lives with new names, and live a lie. Jack meets other kids at school but has to watch what he says: he's Zach now, and anything he says might put his family in jeopardy - just like his dad did. He must avoid this, but it's not easy to blend in when you're worried that anything you say will blow your cover. What parts of the lies he has to live now will hold up?
First, his name is Jack, not Zach. But he’ll never be able to use “Jack” again. Never.
Second, some guys broke into his house and duct-taped his mother, his sister and Jack on the couch. Then they held a phone up to his mom - and told her the only thing she could say to Jack’s father on the other end: they will kill us if you talk. When the police found them, they were happy. When the DEA found them a little later, they were shocked. Jack had no idea what was happening or had happened with his Dad to so completely mess up the family.
But that’s the way it was. Jack and his family (except for his Dad who's still in jail talking to the DEA) fly to parts unknown, start new lives with new names, and live a lie. Jack meets other kids at school but has to watch what he says: he's Zach now, and anything he says might put his family in jeopardy - just like his dad did. He must avoid this, but it's not easy to blend in when you're worried that anything you say will blow your cover. What parts of the lies he has to live now will hold up?
October 14, 2017
My first book to read for planning to teach it to students. MUCH better than I expected.
January 17, 2018
Zach’s Lie is kind of a sad story but I really like the mystery behind it.
Zach’s Lie is about how his family has to be moved and has to basically start over there life. Zach has a sister and a mom but his bad is in jail and is trying to get them out of this mess. Zach is fifteen and his sister is a few years older than him. Zach being moved to new home and town falls in love with a girl. Everything is going good then something happens. Read to find out what happens in the little town they now live in.
I really liked this book. I didn’t think it was going to be a good book when I picked it up but got hooked and decided to finish it. I also liked it because it was really intense at one point and not so intense at other times. I really enjoyed reading this book.
In the end I think this is a good book for someone who enjoys a good mystery but also a little love story in its own way.
Zach’s Lie is about how his family has to be moved and has to basically start over there life. Zach has a sister and a mom but his bad is in jail and is trying to get them out of this mess. Zach is fifteen and his sister is a few years older than him. Zach being moved to new home and town falls in love with a girl. Everything is going good then something happens. Read to find out what happens in the little town they now live in.
I really liked this book. I didn’t think it was going to be a good book when I picked it up but got hooked and decided to finish it. I also liked it because it was really intense at one point and not so intense at other times. I really enjoyed reading this book.
In the end I think this is a good book for someone who enjoys a good mystery but also a little love story in its own way.
October 16, 2017
I loved how this book kept me engaged with all of the different things happening. At the beginning it was a little confusing but once you get pass that part it is great. There are some very little details that you have to read very carefully or you will get loss like me. Throughout the book it gets very intense. This book is like a journal. Jack has to be the new man of the house because of what his dad has done. The main characters name is Jack but the book is called Zach's Lie not Jack's Lie. In the book you will find out why it is like that and you will be shocked. I was very shocked about what happen because I wasn't expecting it to be how the book was. I was not to happy about how the book ended. I want to get the second book offline.
April 16, 2018
Roland Smith was definitely a favorite author of mine in middle school.
June 7, 2021
The book was very intriguing...I enjoyed it a lot and I definitely recommend it!
January 19, 2022
I really like this book it was full of mystery's that we could all solve idk what else to say but this was an amazing book
January 19, 2022
i really liked this book alot it had nice plot twists it was super cool
March 18, 2023
Teacher Review:
This book is fast paced and filled with enough action to keep even my most disinterested readers engaged. My students were roped into the mystery and fear being experienced by the character and could not wait to figure out how it would end. The first person perspective made it easy for them to empathize with the main character. I would recommend this book for upper elementary or middle school readers given the mature nature of the content.
Triggers to consider: drugs, guns, murder, kidnapping, intimidation
This book is fast paced and filled with enough action to keep even my most disinterested readers engaged. My students were roped into the mystery and fear being experienced by the character and could not wait to figure out how it would end. The first person perspective made it easy for them to empathize with the main character. I would recommend this book for upper elementary or middle school readers given the mature nature of the content.
Triggers to consider: drugs, guns, murder, kidnapping, intimidation
July 30, 2022
Completed book with summer School class. Started off slow, but the students enjoyed it in the end. They will like to read Jack's run next.
January 23, 2018
Erin needed to read it for school. I like how they encourage kids to read books that are different this one is about a boy forced into witness protection and it produced great discussion about that with the family.
Read
September 16, 2022I liked it is was eventful the was many thoughts coming to my head when i finished.
September 11, 2017
Jack Osborne's dad has done something to cause his family to enter the witness protection program and now Jack is living Zach's lie. Although as an adult I found most of the story predictable, the book held my attention and kept me turning pages at a fast pace. I know the intended audience would be hooked and happily engrossed in the tension.
Great for readers of Alex Rider and Young James Bond, I'd also recommend this to more reluctant readers because of the fast pace, nice twists, and easy to like characters.
Great for readers of Alex Rider and Young James Bond, I'd also recommend this to more reluctant readers because of the fast pace, nice twists, and easy to like characters.
January 26, 2009
How does a 7th-grader cope with two identity changes in just a few months without serious adjustment problems? Jack Osborne, alias Zach Granger, alias Mack Greene, manages to pull it off with a maturity that belies his years. On the day that three masked strangers invade the Osborne household and terrorize Jack, his sister Joanne, and their mother, Jack's life is changed forever. His father's involvement in drug smuggling in South America, a situation he later admits was the result of financial problems, has sent his family's life spinning out of control. The father is committed to the Federal Detention Center, and Jack, now Zach Granger, is forced to change his physical appearance, give up his friends, and begin a whole new life under the Federal Witness Protection Program. When Zach meets Sam Sebesta, the enigmatic custodian of his new school, he fears that Sam's interest in him might lead to an unwitting revelation about his past. As events unfold, and the criminals come closer to discovering the Grangers' true identity, Sam's intriguing past enables him to devise a rapid solution that saves the family from certain harm.This book is a great book and if you want to know more then you will have to read the book .
May 20, 2016
Jack Osbourne has always lived a normal, suburban life with his parents and sister. Until the night he is woken up in the middle of the night by men who threaten to kill him, his mother and his sister if they don't do exactly what they say. That was the night that changed everything. The night his father was arrested for drug trafficking, forcing he, his mother and sister into the Witness Protection Program. The night he became Zach Granger.
The Grangers live in a tiny town in Nevada's Ruby Mountain, where everyone knows everything about everybody. Zach and his sister "Wanda" have made new friends, and their mother is on her way to opening a bookstore right in the center of town. Things are finally starting to look up. Will Zach's family be safe here in their new haven, or is it just a matter of time before the danger from their past catches up to them?
Zach's Lie is a great suspense thriller, perfect for fans of Anthony Horowitz's Alex Rider series; I can't wait to read the sequel, Jack's Run.
November 21, 2012
Zach's Lie is a story of a young man (a seventh grader) whose life is uprooted when his father is arrested and his family must enter the witness protection program. He, his mother and his older sister are given new identities and a new life history as well as a new place to live. Such changes are challenging at best but when this happens to a young man at a point in his life when he's struggling to define and discover his real identity, it can be devastating.
This fast paced, generally upbeat, book reads like an adventure movie and is consistently interesting although like most stories along these lines, some of the coincidences are a bit far fetched.
Still this is an engaging and entertaining read. While aimed at young adults, there is very little in this book that makes it feel juvenile. It can be read by adults without feeling that they've gotten into kiddie territory.
I recommend it.
This fast paced, generally upbeat, book reads like an adventure movie and is consistently interesting although like most stories along these lines, some of the coincidences are a bit far fetched.
Still this is an engaging and entertaining read. While aimed at young adults, there is very little in this book that makes it feel juvenile. It can be read by adults without feeling that they've gotten into kiddie territory.
I recommend it.
June 17, 2014
Zacks lie is a spectacular thriller which is about the Osborne's, a wealthy american family that has no worries in the world. So they think. One night four armed men with ski masked covering their faces, break into the Osborne's home threatening to kill all of them if they call the police. They then kidnap zacks father and leave the house with no evidence of their visit. It turns out zacks father wasn't flying for an american travel airline, he was the main pilot for an international drug cartel. This is why he was kidnapped. Dazed with confusion, the Osborne's are lost and don't know what to do in this non stop thrilling novel. I recommend this book to someone who wants a book they cannot put down.
January 27, 2010
Finally! Was all I thought as I shut the last page of this book. Despite the interesting plot line and weird twists and turns the story was dry. I expected it all as time started to run out. I could tell that Sam wasn't who he said he was and that that Alonzo was going to find him. The writing was very vague and even thought I usually love to let my imagination flow and take control of the story I felt limited. I will not be reading the sequel to this book even if it is only half as bad!
June 3, 2016
The author really makes sure he describes what's going on so you can get a visual. Even though he does that, you barely do know what's going on and it's all one big mystery. There are little things that are left out and I love it! When I was reading the book, I was hooked. It was very interesting from the beginning to the end. You know that some of these things could actually be happening in the world right as you are reading it. This book really makes you think.
August 25, 2008
This will go down like candy for young readers who crave page-turners. Smith's tale of a family under the witness protection program will intrigue boys especially -- yes, even boys who hate reading. Don't look for anything deeper, though. The plot's the thing. Period.
March 9, 2015
Fascinating look into witness protection! A very quick read. Well paced, good character development, highly suspenseful. I will be recommending to my boys in class this year, especially my reluctant readers.
June 16, 2008
its awesome i loved it
January 27, 2011
FINISHED IT. NOW IM ON ZACHS RUN
September 3, 2011
great book
August 8, 2013
Thought this was a great book. Action was believable with well developed characters.
November 2, 2015
I thought it was so good
September 27, 2019
Zach’s lie
****
4 stars
I give this book 4 stars because it is full of action, it makes me want to keep reading it and you never know what is going to happen next.
It is placed in
a small town in Nevada, the main character, a young kid named Jack Osborne, whose family is in trouble when his father Neil, is busted for selling drugs. Neil’s drug boss, Alonzo sends his gang members to look for Jack’s family. Because of that, they are placed in the Witness Security Program, which gives them new identities and sent from their hometown in Elko Nevada. jack, gets a new name, Zach Granger. He tries to fit in at his new school while dealing with a problem with his family. Zach’s Lie starts when Neil is arrested for attempting a huge drug-smuggling trip. In the middle of the night, a group of gang members breaks into their home, trying to threaten Jack, his sister and his mother, Patricia. The men drag the family out of their beds and force Patricia to call Neil, who has been arrested for their drugs. At gunpoint, they force Patricia to warn Neil that his family will be killed if he gives up information about the gang’s identities.
After the gang members leave, the Osbournes reach the police. As the case against Neil is still going on, the FBI refers them to the Witness Security Program, making them leave their friends and home for the small town of Elko. Jack, or is now Zack Granger, is super mad that his father could have put his family in so much danger, even while he is in desperate need to support the family.
In their new town, Zach’s mom starts a small bookselling business. Zach enrolls at Elko’s middle school. There, he becomes friends with his janitor, and now has a crush on one of his classmates, Catalin. Zach’s mother gets Sam to help build out her business at a low cost; in return, Zach agrees to help Sam clean up twice a week and to eat dinner together.
Other than these two friendships, Zach is having a hard time getting used to middle school. He also suffers bullying from a kid named Peter Short. One day, Peter sees Zach watching Catalin and starts a fistfight. Zach gives Peter a black eye. Zach keeps a private journal in which has his memories about his old life and how about Elko. Zach stays with Sam. Knowing that the mob is coming for his journal that details their identities, Zach hides it in his school, where he sets up a trap and informs the police. Alonzo and his men fall for it and are arrested.
At the end of the book, the Osbornes return to the Witness Security Program. And now they have to get new names and start their lives in another place. However, as they are about to get on the plane to fly to their new state, but they find Neil waiting for them. Zach’s Lie ends on a happy note, they move on and begin happy lives in their new state. Overall I think this is a great book and the theme is forgive never forget.
****
4 stars
I give this book 4 stars because it is full of action, it makes me want to keep reading it and you never know what is going to happen next.
It is placed in
a small town in Nevada, the main character, a young kid named Jack Osborne, whose family is in trouble when his father Neil, is busted for selling drugs. Neil’s drug boss, Alonzo sends his gang members to look for Jack’s family. Because of that, they are placed in the Witness Security Program, which gives them new identities and sent from their hometown in Elko Nevada. jack, gets a new name, Zach Granger. He tries to fit in at his new school while dealing with a problem with his family. Zach’s Lie starts when Neil is arrested for attempting a huge drug-smuggling trip. In the middle of the night, a group of gang members breaks into their home, trying to threaten Jack, his sister and his mother, Patricia. The men drag the family out of their beds and force Patricia to call Neil, who has been arrested for their drugs. At gunpoint, they force Patricia to warn Neil that his family will be killed if he gives up information about the gang’s identities.
After the gang members leave, the Osbournes reach the police. As the case against Neil is still going on, the FBI refers them to the Witness Security Program, making them leave their friends and home for the small town of Elko. Jack, or is now Zack Granger, is super mad that his father could have put his family in so much danger, even while he is in desperate need to support the family.
In their new town, Zach’s mom starts a small bookselling business. Zach enrolls at Elko’s middle school. There, he becomes friends with his janitor, and now has a crush on one of his classmates, Catalin. Zach’s mother gets Sam to help build out her business at a low cost; in return, Zach agrees to help Sam clean up twice a week and to eat dinner together.
Other than these two friendships, Zach is having a hard time getting used to middle school. He also suffers bullying from a kid named Peter Short. One day, Peter sees Zach watching Catalin and starts a fistfight. Zach gives Peter a black eye. Zach keeps a private journal in which has his memories about his old life and how about Elko. Zach stays with Sam. Knowing that the mob is coming for his journal that details their identities, Zach hides it in his school, where he sets up a trap and informs the police. Alonzo and his men fall for it and are arrested.
At the end of the book, the Osbornes return to the Witness Security Program. And now they have to get new names and start their lives in another place. However, as they are about to get on the plane to fly to their new state, but they find Neil waiting for them. Zach’s Lie ends on a happy note, they move on and begin happy lives in their new state. Overall I think this is a great book and the theme is forgive never forget.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 469 reviews