Zach's Lie

Nine-year old Jack Osborne is a thoughtful boy with a vivid imagination. He loves playing superhero and has epic adventures with his imaginary friend, Commander IF. Jack’s broken legs and hospital stay introduce him to the joys of reading and writing. He devours books like Sherlock Holmes and The Phantom of the Opera, and begins keeping a diary like his beloved father, Neil. Jack’s life changes at thirteen, when he enters the Witness Security Program and becomes Zach Granger.

Zach is self-reflective and has a rich inner life. Commander IF and his journaling help Zach cope with the sadness, anger, isolation, and lack of control he feels in his new life. Zach is a shy kid despite his height: Unlike his charismatic dad and his theatrical sister, Zach has trouble talking to new people even without the added challenge of having to lie to them about his identity. Zach values honesty, and wants to tell Catalin and others the truth, but understands that his and his family’s safety is at stake. He cares deeply about his family. He loves and forgives Neil, empathizes with his mom’s pain, and reconnects emotionally with his sister.