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Would the Real Stanley Carrot Please Stand Up?
Stanley 'Carrot' Harris is ginger, tubby and definitely not cool. And he has a secret: he's adopted, and this makes him feel like he's never quite fitted in.
On his thirteenth birthday, he receives the one thing he's been waiting his whole life for: a card from his long-lost birth mother, asking to meet up. But Stanley isn't sure: what if he's a big disappointment to her? So he hatches a plan - and he's going to need a stand-in Stanley, someone who is handsome, sporty and God's Gift to Mothers.
What Stanley doesn't realise is he's about to have the most confusing time of his life . . . just who is the real Stanley Carrot?
On his thirteenth birthday, he receives the one thing he's been waiting his whole life for: a card from his long-lost birth mother, asking to meet up. But Stanley isn't sure: what if he's a big disappointment to her? So he hatches a plan - and he's going to need a stand-in Stanley, someone who is handsome, sporty and God's Gift to Mothers.
What Stanley doesn't realise is he's about to have the most confusing time of his life . . . just who is the real Stanley Carrot?
- GenresMiddle Grade
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 5, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 27, 2015
A great idea for upper primary / lower secondary readers. Stanley knows he was adopted, he's fairly comfortable in his family (with slightly annoying younger brother), and has friends. He has the nickname of 'Carrot' (no points for guessing why). He finds himself in a slightly surreal situation on his 13th birthday when his longstanding dream comes true - a birthday card from his 'birth' mother. Now what does he do? Meet her? Ignore it? Of course, there wouldn't be much of a story if he didn't take the path less travelled. But Stanley wants to show her what she's missed - and that wouldn't be much if he showed his real face, would it? So he and his older, cooler cousin set up auditions to find the perfect 'Stanley', and send the winner out to a meeting with Stanley's mother.
A comedy of errors ensues. It's delightful. You know you want Stanley to own up and tell his mother who he is, but of course the story doesn't head in that direction. There's a twist (that is obvious from the moment it's introduced) that brings other characters in and splits sympathy, cousin Chloe starts as a minor character but turns into a strength of the story, and the very likeable Stanley who I found a wonderful protagonist.
Super idea for a children's story, and the topic of adoption and issues surrounding is well done, sensitively while still allowing for humour.
Readers of 10-13 will love this.
A comedy of errors ensues. It's delightful. You know you want Stanley to own up and tell his mother who he is, but of course the story doesn't head in that direction. There's a twist (that is obvious from the moment it's introduced) that brings other characters in and splits sympathy, cousin Chloe starts as a minor character but turns into a strength of the story, and the very likeable Stanley who I found a wonderful protagonist.
Super idea for a children's story, and the topic of adoption and issues surrounding is well done, sensitively while still allowing for humour.
Readers of 10-13 will love this.
March 19, 2015
I loved it. I absolutely freaking loved this book. It was heart-warming and charming and funny and hopeful and original and just utterly perfect in every single possible way. I wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did and it far exceeded my expectations. It has most definitely earned a place on my list of top favourite middle-grades and I absolutely can't wait to read more from this clearly talented author!
Would the Real Stanley Carrot Please Stand Up? is about thirteen year old Stanley. Stanley is adopted and he feels quite insecure about that and often struggles with obdurate thoughts about whether or not his family loves him more or less than his little brother Bruno (who his parents miraculously had a few years after adopting Stanley) and whether or not his birth mother would be glad she gave him up as he isn't athletically gifted, nor is he considered "cool" due to his penchant for writing poems, having ginger hair, being slightly tubby and for being a sensitive soul. Stanley has always wondered about why exactly his mom gave him up and when, or even if, she'll ever get in contact with him.
And then it happens.
Stanley receives a birthday card from his birth mother, Emma, asking if he would perhaps like to meet up for a once-off meeting. And he wants to. He has a feverish longing to know why his mother abandoned him and he needs to know the answers to all those doubtful, persistent thoughts that fire through his mind daily. But the problem is, Stanley doesn't want his mother to feel relieved that she doesn't have to sit with a child that isn't gifted in the mainstream areas such as looks and sporting talent - he wants her to regret ever giving him up. So Stanley decides to advertise for a boy of around thirteen years of age who is good-looking, confident and "cool" to act as him when he meets his mother for the first and last time. However, things don't go to plan and things aren't all as they seem in this wonderful novel about acceptance, family, friendship and being who you truly are.
Like I said, I LOVED this book. The combination of the excellent plot, characters, writing and the themes that featured throughout, resulted in a spectacular story that will wrench at your heartstrings, bring tears to your eyes and laughter to your lips.
The plot was fantastic! I haven't read many adoption books and I loved how it brought some originality to the middle-grade/YA genre. I could fully emphasize with Stanley and imagine how disheartening it would feel at times to know that you're adopted and how you might often harbor feelings of being a misfit and an outcast and not feeling like you belong. I loved the whole idea behind Stanley hiring another teenager to be him and I knew it was going to lead to some intriguing things happening as well as complications, of course. I would absolutely love to see this made into a movie as I think it would look fantastic on the big screen! I didn't expect that twist at the end at all and I think it was fantastic how Stevens added it to the story and the irony in the situation.
The characters, ah, the characters were so delightful! I absolutely adore Stanley! He has such a sweet, kind disposition and he's artistic and funny and so thoughtful but he doesn't see any of this, he's completely blind to all the wonderful traits he obtains and instead thinks about all the things he hasn't got. I found this extremely sad because it's so true. None of us are capable of seeing all the wonderful things about ourselves, even when everybody else can. We can always list the hundreds of things we hate about ourselves in a couple of seconds but it takes us minutes to think of one singular thing that we love about ourselves. Stanley is a clear example of that. He's sensitive and can write gorgeous poetry and he respects people and he's so incredibly kind but instead he thinks about the fact that he's slightly larger than the "cool kids", has ginger hair and can't kick a football. He's courageous and decides to face the things that terrify him, he decides to run towards those challenges he used to cower from, instead of running away from them but he doesn't acknowledge his bravery. I just wanted to wrap him in a big hug and help him see his worth. I was so happy at the end when he finally started seeing his potential and realising how important he is. It made my heart smile. This whole book made my heart smile.
"I've spent too long watching life from the sidelines. Now it's time to get in the game."
The other characters were wonderful too, I loved his adoptive family. I loved his mom and dad and little brother, they were supportive and they were funny and caring and you could really see how much they really loved Stanley. There's a part in the book where the dad is telling Stanley about how, when he was sick in hospital, his mom would sit by him day and night and will him to get better and how broken-hearted she was when he had to leave her to start going to school. That part really brought tears to my eyes as you could clearly see just how much she loves and cares for Stanley. His dad was epic too and he made me laugh on several occasions, especially towards the end when he started showing an interest in rap music.
I loved Chloe and Aggie as well! Chloe is Stanley's sixteen year old cousin and Aggie is her best friend. I loved how kind they were to Stanley and how they tried to help him and show him just how wonderful and talented he truly is. I loved Chloe's character, she was a "typical teenager" but she had such a kind heart, both her and Aggie did, their personalities definitely shone through the pages. The part at the end with Aggie and Stanley and the rap, it was just so utterly perfect and I honestly thought that tears would be spilled. The last few chapters were absolutely magnificent and they gave me warm, fuzzy feelings in my heart.
"I've learned that families come in all sorts of shapes and sizes - like people - and there isn't a right or wrong arrangement."
I loved Isabella and Emma too. I thought the author wrote Stanley and Emma's relationship in an honest way, there was some tension but there was mostly sweetness and I completely adored that. I loved their connection and I loved that they were able to get along after all these years. It was written beautifully.
The pacing and writing was perfect too. I never for one singular moment wanted to be torn away from this book. I would wake up early just to read it and start school half an hour later to read as much as possible, then reluctantly turn to my studies while I looked in feverish anticipation at the clock to see when next I'd be able to continue living in the enchanting story Rob Stevens had created. This book was addictive and my heart sunk when I saw there were only a few more pages left. In fact, I even reread the last few chapters twice again because I wasn't yet ready to release my hold on the story. I shall keep it locked in my heart, those precious 272 pages, even though I wish for it to have an infinite amount of pages so I could read it forever.
Would the Real Stanley Please Carrot Stand Up? was a heartfelt novel that featured doubts and fears of one that has been adopted and the insecurities that result from those apprehensions. It revealed the wonder of redemption and second chances, of belonging, of family and friends. It showed us that we all have our flaws and we all have our quirks but it's those beautiful differences that makes us so incredibly unique. I absolutely adored this book and I advise you to pick it up, as I guarantee that you'll most probably love it too!
I give it: 5/5 Cupcakes!
Would the Real Stanley Carrot Please Stand Up? is about thirteen year old Stanley. Stanley is adopted and he feels quite insecure about that and often struggles with obdurate thoughts about whether or not his family loves him more or less than his little brother Bruno (who his parents miraculously had a few years after adopting Stanley) and whether or not his birth mother would be glad she gave him up as he isn't athletically gifted, nor is he considered "cool" due to his penchant for writing poems, having ginger hair, being slightly tubby and for being a sensitive soul. Stanley has always wondered about why exactly his mom gave him up and when, or even if, she'll ever get in contact with him.
And then it happens.
Stanley receives a birthday card from his birth mother, Emma, asking if he would perhaps like to meet up for a once-off meeting. And he wants to. He has a feverish longing to know why his mother abandoned him and he needs to know the answers to all those doubtful, persistent thoughts that fire through his mind daily. But the problem is, Stanley doesn't want his mother to feel relieved that she doesn't have to sit with a child that isn't gifted in the mainstream areas such as looks and sporting talent - he wants her to regret ever giving him up. So Stanley decides to advertise for a boy of around thirteen years of age who is good-looking, confident and "cool" to act as him when he meets his mother for the first and last time. However, things don't go to plan and things aren't all as they seem in this wonderful novel about acceptance, family, friendship and being who you truly are.
Like I said, I LOVED this book. The combination of the excellent plot, characters, writing and the themes that featured throughout, resulted in a spectacular story that will wrench at your heartstrings, bring tears to your eyes and laughter to your lips.
The plot was fantastic! I haven't read many adoption books and I loved how it brought some originality to the middle-grade/YA genre. I could fully emphasize with Stanley and imagine how disheartening it would feel at times to know that you're adopted and how you might often harbor feelings of being a misfit and an outcast and not feeling like you belong. I loved the whole idea behind Stanley hiring another teenager to be him and I knew it was going to lead to some intriguing things happening as well as complications, of course. I would absolutely love to see this made into a movie as I think it would look fantastic on the big screen! I didn't expect that twist at the end at all and I think it was fantastic how Stevens added it to the story and the irony in the situation.
The characters, ah, the characters were so delightful! I absolutely adore Stanley! He has such a sweet, kind disposition and he's artistic and funny and so thoughtful but he doesn't see any of this, he's completely blind to all the wonderful traits he obtains and instead thinks about all the things he hasn't got. I found this extremely sad because it's so true. None of us are capable of seeing all the wonderful things about ourselves, even when everybody else can. We can always list the hundreds of things we hate about ourselves in a couple of seconds but it takes us minutes to think of one singular thing that we love about ourselves. Stanley is a clear example of that. He's sensitive and can write gorgeous poetry and he respects people and he's so incredibly kind but instead he thinks about the fact that he's slightly larger than the "cool kids", has ginger hair and can't kick a football. He's courageous and decides to face the things that terrify him, he decides to run towards those challenges he used to cower from, instead of running away from them but he doesn't acknowledge his bravery. I just wanted to wrap him in a big hug and help him see his worth. I was so happy at the end when he finally started seeing his potential and realising how important he is. It made my heart smile. This whole book made my heart smile.
"I've spent too long watching life from the sidelines. Now it's time to get in the game."
The other characters were wonderful too, I loved his adoptive family. I loved his mom and dad and little brother, they were supportive and they were funny and caring and you could really see how much they really loved Stanley. There's a part in the book where the dad is telling Stanley about how, when he was sick in hospital, his mom would sit by him day and night and will him to get better and how broken-hearted she was when he had to leave her to start going to school. That part really brought tears to my eyes as you could clearly see just how much she loves and cares for Stanley. His dad was epic too and he made me laugh on several occasions, especially towards the end when he started showing an interest in rap music.
I loved Chloe and Aggie as well! Chloe is Stanley's sixteen year old cousin and Aggie is her best friend. I loved how kind they were to Stanley and how they tried to help him and show him just how wonderful and talented he truly is. I loved Chloe's character, she was a "typical teenager" but she had such a kind heart, both her and Aggie did, their personalities definitely shone through the pages. The part at the end with Aggie and Stanley and the rap, it was just so utterly perfect and I honestly thought that tears would be spilled. The last few chapters were absolutely magnificent and they gave me warm, fuzzy feelings in my heart.
"I've learned that families come in all sorts of shapes and sizes - like people - and there isn't a right or wrong arrangement."
I loved Isabella and Emma too. I thought the author wrote Stanley and Emma's relationship in an honest way, there was some tension but there was mostly sweetness and I completely adored that. I loved their connection and I loved that they were able to get along after all these years. It was written beautifully.
The pacing and writing was perfect too. I never for one singular moment wanted to be torn away from this book. I would wake up early just to read it and start school half an hour later to read as much as possible, then reluctantly turn to my studies while I looked in feverish anticipation at the clock to see when next I'd be able to continue living in the enchanting story Rob Stevens had created. This book was addictive and my heart sunk when I saw there were only a few more pages left. In fact, I even reread the last few chapters twice again because I wasn't yet ready to release my hold on the story. I shall keep it locked in my heart, those precious 272 pages, even though I wish for it to have an infinite amount of pages so I could read it forever.
Would the Real Stanley Please Carrot Stand Up? was a heartfelt novel that featured doubts and fears of one that has been adopted and the insecurities that result from those apprehensions. It revealed the wonder of redemption and second chances, of belonging, of family and friends. It showed us that we all have our flaws and we all have our quirks but it's those beautiful differences that makes us so incredibly unique. I absolutely adored this book and I advise you to pick it up, as I guarantee that you'll most probably love it too!
I give it: 5/5 Cupcakes!
July 25, 2018
I'm going with my 10 year old son's vote ... he listened to the audio of this (I read it) and thoroughly enjoyed it. Personally, my favourite bit was how all Stanley's cousin Chloe's sentences were asked as questions?
August 18, 2017
A moving and funny tale
November 15, 2017
It's about a boy called Stanley who gets the opportunity to meet his birth mother but he sends someone else.
March 25, 2020
This book was awesome ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍👍👍
February 19, 2016
Read for Concorde Book Awards 2016.
Front Cover Thoughts: oh no.
Last Page Thoughts: Awww!
Plot: Stanley "Carrot" is someone who always feels left on the outside of life - adopted, ginger, nerdy, he just doesn't seem to fit in anywhere. The book begins with his fourteenth birthday, the day his life begins to change.
Characters: STANLEY: Average teenage boy, confused and not confident, quiet on the outside but full of noisy thoughts inside. CHLOE: Average teenage girl, not amazing wise for someone her age, not someone completely stupid, just normal. PAM & RICK: Two parents who are not quite sure about how to deal with a teenager, but overall loving, genuine parents. BRUNO: typical little brother, annoying but cute. EMMA: a lovely lady, confused and sad but still fighting through life.
This book was so much better than I was expecting. I think the title is probably the worst thing about this book, although there are a few bad jokes in it too. This book was surprising good, there was even a plot twist I had no idea was coming. It was well written, just not outstanding, hence only a 4 star rating. I really did enjoy it though, and I think it should be better publicised than it is - I would recommend this book.
"I've learned that families come in all sorts of shapes and sizes - like people - and there isn't a right or wrong arrangement."
Front Cover Thoughts: oh no.
Last Page Thoughts: Awww!
Plot: Stanley "Carrot" is someone who always feels left on the outside of life - adopted, ginger, nerdy, he just doesn't seem to fit in anywhere. The book begins with his fourteenth birthday, the day his life begins to change.
Characters: STANLEY: Average teenage boy, confused and not confident, quiet on the outside but full of noisy thoughts inside. CHLOE: Average teenage girl, not amazing wise for someone her age, not someone completely stupid, just normal. PAM & RICK: Two parents who are not quite sure about how to deal with a teenager, but overall loving, genuine parents. BRUNO: typical little brother, annoying but cute. EMMA: a lovely lady, confused and sad but still fighting through life.
This book was so much better than I was expecting. I think the title is probably the worst thing about this book, although there are a few bad jokes in it too. This book was surprising good, there was even a plot twist I had no idea was coming. It was well written, just not outstanding, hence only a 4 star rating. I really did enjoy it though, and I think it should be better publicised than it is - I would recommend this book.
"I've learned that families come in all sorts of shapes and sizes - like people - and there isn't a right or wrong arrangement."
March 6, 2015
I don't typically read books aimed at such a lower age group but my 9 year-old son and I decided we would do a buddy read of this book. I have to confess that I cheated a little, I enjoyed it so much that I raced ahead and finished it before him!
I'm going to have a think about my review - I'll be back!
I'm going to have a think about my review - I'll be back!
July 22, 2015
Good read. 4.5 probably would be a fair rating. Not quite a 5.
July 20, 2015
A great read. Year 6 and above. MF.
November 14, 2016
"Families come in all sorts of shapes and size – like people – and therr isn't a right or wrong arrangement."
February 2, 2015
My book review will be posted up on blog first http://www.mrripleysenchantedbooks.com/
May 1, 2017
This book is about boy called Stanley. He’s adopted and lives with his mum and dad and his brother, Bruno. Stanley sometimes feels left out because Bruno always gets the attention from their mum and dad. Stanley starts wondering if it’s because Bruno is their “real” child and he’s not. On his 13th birthday, he gets a card from his birth mum and she includes her phone number. He really wants to meet her but he’s worried she won’t like him so he pays someone else to pretend to be him.
I really liked this book. There were funny parts in it, like when Nan was at Stanley’s house. Nan made me laugh a lot and she was one of my favourite characters. I liked Stanley’s cousin Chloe because she helped him find someone to be him. I did get confused by the way Chloe spoke though. I really didn’t like Jack, he was soooooo rude! Oh, and there was a character called Mr Potter! I love the Harry Potter books so I thought that was cool!
I spoke to my mum about some of the things in the book. It made me sad that Stanley was bullied by the kids at his school. I speak to my mum and dad about lots of things that worry me or bother me so I wanted to know why Stanley didn’t speak to his mum and dad too.
One of my favourite parts in the book was when Stanley conquered “The Wall” on his bike, a giant ramp in the skate park. I was so happy for him because all the cool kids could do it and when Stanley did it it made him feel brave and like he was cool too.
I would definitely recommend this book to other kids. I think it will make them laugh like it made me laugh and they’ll learn more about what being adopted means. They’ll also see that it’s not nice to bully people just because they’re different to them. I mean, who cares what colour hair someone has?
I really liked this book. There were funny parts in it, like when Nan was at Stanley’s house. Nan made me laugh a lot and she was one of my favourite characters. I liked Stanley’s cousin Chloe because she helped him find someone to be him. I did get confused by the way Chloe spoke though. I really didn’t like Jack, he was soooooo rude! Oh, and there was a character called Mr Potter! I love the Harry Potter books so I thought that was cool!
I spoke to my mum about some of the things in the book. It made me sad that Stanley was bullied by the kids at his school. I speak to my mum and dad about lots of things that worry me or bother me so I wanted to know why Stanley didn’t speak to his mum and dad too.
One of my favourite parts in the book was when Stanley conquered “The Wall” on his bike, a giant ramp in the skate park. I was so happy for him because all the cool kids could do it and when Stanley did it it made him feel brave and like he was cool too.
I would definitely recommend this book to other kids. I think it will make them laugh like it made me laugh and they’ll learn more about what being adopted means. They’ll also see that it’s not nice to bully people just because they’re different to them. I mean, who cares what colour hair someone has?
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews