Half-Truths and Brazen Lies - by Kira Vermond & Clayton Hanmer (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Why do we lie? What types of lies are there? What are the consequences of lying? What methods are used to detect lies? And when is it okay or even good to lie? From forgeries and hoaxes to plagiarism and placebos, [this book] offers historical anecdotes, scientific studies, and sociocultural analyses to help unpack the complex world of untruths"--Amazon.com.

Book Synopsis

Do you believe in telling the truth? Sure you do. But even that's a lie -- because we all lie. Whether to protect a friend, to make someone feel better, or to avoid telling even bigger lies later, lying is actually central to human nature. Usually we're taught that lying is bad, and that's that. But in reality, it's rarely so black and white.

Kira Vermond's latest book answers questions like: Why do we lie? What types of lies are there? What are the consequences of lying? What methods are used to detect lies? And when is it okay or even good to lie?

From forgeries and hoaxes to plagiarism and placebos, Half-Truths and Brazen Lies offers historical anecdotes, scientific studies, and sociocultural analyses to help unpack the complex world of untruths. Told in a witty, conversational tone with an index and full-color illustrations, the book takes a thorough, nuanced approach to a fascinating aspect of human behavior.

Review Quotes

""[Lying is] central to human nature," writes Vermond in this intuitively clear survey of the good, bad, and ugly manifestations of lying."-- "Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW"

"A clever, entertaining and engaging book... Vermond asks the right kinds of questions, and it's clear that she wants her readers to seriously consider some very complex social issues."-- "Canadian Children's Book News"

"An excellent, well-written, and comprehensive purchase for school and public libraries."-- "School Library Journal"

"Explores complex issues...a great conversation starter."-- "The National Reading Campaign"

"I enjoyed this book because it made me feel better about myself, knowing that everyone lies."-- "Murphy, age 10, Kids' Book Buzz"

"Pithy and engaging... Interesting sidebars, a thoughtfully compiled index and bibliography round out the illuminating, fascinating text."-- "Quill & Quire"

"Rich with evidence, explanation, and food for thought, this well-documented approach to an issue not often covered in depth for this age group will be enjoyed for curiosity's sake as well as a resource for study."-- "Booklist"

"Vermond's new book about lying is really good... Despite the glum subject, the book ends on a positive note about how trust and honesty build better, happier communities. Recommended."-- "Canadian Review of Materials"

About the Author

Kira Vermond is an award-winning writer with more than 1,000 articles in print. She is a frequent contributor to The Globe and Mail, Chatelaine, and Today's Parent, and is the author of Owlkids Books titles The Secret Life of Money, Growing Up, Inside and Out, and Why We Live Where We Live. She lives in Guelph, Ontario.

Clayton Hanmer is an illustrator whose energetic comic style has given him a broad range of clients, from The Globe and Mail to OWL magazine. He is the illustrator of Owlkids Books titles The Secret Life of Money and Not Your Typical Book About the Environment. He lives in Port Hope, Ontario.