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The Perfect Parent Project
A Simon & Schuster eBook. Simon & Schuster has a great book for every reader.
- GenresChildrens
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2021
11 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Stewart Foster
14 books107 followersStewart Foster lives in Bath and wishes he'd never left school. So he went back to university far too many years later and he wrote a book, We used to be Kings, and then he wrote another, The Bubble Boy, that was loved by The Guardian and many others. It won Sainsbury's book of the year 2016 (10+) and The Trinity Schools Book Award 2017 and many other library awards
'All the things that could go Wrong" has also won many school and library awards, and continues to be shortlisted.
His next novel will be published in May 2019
Like his page on Facebook - Stewart Foster Author and follow him on twitter @stewfoster1.
'All the things that could go Wrong" has also won many school and library awards, and continues to be shortlisted.
His next novel will be published in May 2019
Like his page on Facebook - Stewart Foster Author and follow him on twitter @stewfoster1.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 18, 2021
They are not quick reads, Stewart Foster’s books, you don’t blast though the story to find out what happens quickly, you read every word to absorb the character and understand their world. I came to understand Sam’s need to reject the attention of his foster mum, when at first it felt forced and unnecessary, I began to understand how that feeling of rejection must make a child build a wall every time they met knew people. Lovely non-stereotypical friendship with Leah who he wants to tell she’s his best friend but still daren't in case the gesture is not returned. I think my Stewart Foster/Ross Welford/ Lisa Thompson fans will love this.
August 21, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book and it didn't end how I expected it to. I tried this author for the first time, and I was very glad that I did! The character descriptions were very good, and the characters were very likeable. I enjoyed every page, although it did get a little samee in places! I'm hoping to find more books by Stewart Foster, and I reccommend this book.
August 25, 2021
Heartstring-tugging foster-child story about finding your own family.
I've been reading this to my 10 year old over many weeks of bedtimes.
I've read Foster before and like his concepts, characters and the kind of areas of children's lives he covers. He picks slightly not-average situations but makes them very relatable.
And now I also want to watch Bugsy Malone again.
Sam is fostered. He's been through many homes, many families. But nobody has ever kept him, he's bounced around, lost friends, moved schools. He's tired of it and decides to take matters into his own hands with the close friend he's made at his current school. He's going to find his own Perfect Parents. How? Advertising and finding them himself.
We first meet Sam sat in a wheely bin, who he's named Eric. It's an unusual opening, and certainly gives you a feel for how he can be quite insular. Sam already lives with a family, who he feels try to control him and force his emotions out of him. But we also see how he really actually loves his younger 'brother', Reilly, who adores him too. And how his foster parents care a lot for him.
Will Sam see that? Will 'Rock Star Steve' the social worker (never referred to as anything else - gets hard to read aloud!) help him to see what he's already got?
There is a fair amount here for readers to digest. Sam's feeling at moving around a lot, his worry about rejection, his adolescent feelings towards his (female) best friend, his latching onto supposedly 'perfect' parents, his need to understand why his mother couldn't care for him, and his longing for his own family.
My boys have recently had to cope with separation and divorce themselves and I could see my son's face as we read through some of these issues as expressed by Sam. It's relatable and Sam expresses thoughts that other children will understand.
The concept of the 'foster child' is also one that doesn't come up regularly either in fiction or too often in a class for most children. Understanding what it means for the individual is important, and looking at what you've already got yourself.
Sam talks to the reader as one of them. He texts with his friends, gets angry and misunderstands, plays computer games and just feels like a real child they might know.
My eldest and I have talked lightly about some of the issues covered here. He had an instinct for how the story would end, and I could also see him using Sam to work through some things about his own life in his head. Sometimes things don't need to be said out loud, but just planted.
Thank you Stewart for planting them.
For ages 8-12.
I've been reading this to my 10 year old over many weeks of bedtimes.
I've read Foster before and like his concepts, characters and the kind of areas of children's lives he covers. He picks slightly not-average situations but makes them very relatable.
And now I also want to watch Bugsy Malone again.
Sam is fostered. He's been through many homes, many families. But nobody has ever kept him, he's bounced around, lost friends, moved schools. He's tired of it and decides to take matters into his own hands with the close friend he's made at his current school. He's going to find his own Perfect Parents. How? Advertising and finding them himself.
We first meet Sam sat in a wheely bin, who he's named Eric. It's an unusual opening, and certainly gives you a feel for how he can be quite insular. Sam already lives with a family, who he feels try to control him and force his emotions out of him. But we also see how he really actually loves his younger 'brother', Reilly, who adores him too. And how his foster parents care a lot for him.
Will Sam see that? Will 'Rock Star Steve' the social worker (never referred to as anything else - gets hard to read aloud!) help him to see what he's already got?
There is a fair amount here for readers to digest. Sam's feeling at moving around a lot, his worry about rejection, his adolescent feelings towards his (female) best friend, his latching onto supposedly 'perfect' parents, his need to understand why his mother couldn't care for him, and his longing for his own family.
My boys have recently had to cope with separation and divorce themselves and I could see my son's face as we read through some of these issues as expressed by Sam. It's relatable and Sam expresses thoughts that other children will understand.
The concept of the 'foster child' is also one that doesn't come up regularly either in fiction or too often in a class for most children. Understanding what it means for the individual is important, and looking at what you've already got yourself.
Sam talks to the reader as one of them. He texts with his friends, gets angry and misunderstands, plays computer games and just feels like a real child they might know.
My eldest and I have talked lightly about some of the issues covered here. He had an instinct for how the story would end, and I could also see him using Sam to work through some things about his own life in his head. Sometimes things don't need to be said out loud, but just planted.
Thank you Stewart for planting them.
For ages 8-12.
October 28, 2020
The Perfect Parent Project – Stewart Foster
11 year old Sam is a sensitive and disillusioned foster child who has been in temporary home after home for most of his life. He longs for his “ forever” family ; a proper home and not just a house he happens to live in for a while. He longs for a hug from someone who loves him ( and a trip to Disneyland and an Xbox – after all he’s still a regular 11 year old !)
Sam decides to take matters into his own hands , and with best friend Leah, he sets about advertising for the perfect parents – creating posters and setting up a meeting time to interview any prospective new adoring mums and dads .
This is a fantastic book that grabs you by the heart from the moment you meet Sam in his “ safe” space- a huge alleyway bin . Seeing his waryness and suspicion towards the adults in the story ( his foster family,his teachers ) exposes the reader to the intense level of emotion and hurt that this young character has already experienced in his short life.
Sam is a believable, fully realised and endearing character , written with such obvious warmth by Foster . There is great attention to detail to show to the reader the different sides of Sam – his friendships, his delightful drama talents and his obvious affection and gentleness with 6 year old Reilly from his current foster family. The deep emotions and serious issues of a child’s need to belong and own their own space within a family are beautifully and gently explored.
There is much humour along the way though. Foster creates genuinely funny, touching scenes throughout the book . Sam’s drama classes give him a chance to showcase his comic timing and his teasing friendship with Leah has a lovely fun dynamic .
At times, as a reader, you want to step into the story and take Sam by the shoulders to point out what ( or who)he might be overlooking in his increased desperation to find his Perfect Parents. So Stewart Foster’s aim to engage the reader is a complete success – at times I was cheering Sam on and at times I had my head in my hands !
I loved The Perfect Parents Project ; a story about the importance of belonging and trust and the value of the human connection to others. Love ,hugs , home and kindness above all else.
The last paragraph was utter perfection . Impossible to read without a huge emotional response.
Can’t recommend this enough.
11 year old Sam is a sensitive and disillusioned foster child who has been in temporary home after home for most of his life. He longs for his “ forever” family ; a proper home and not just a house he happens to live in for a while. He longs for a hug from someone who loves him ( and a trip to Disneyland and an Xbox – after all he’s still a regular 11 year old !)
Sam decides to take matters into his own hands , and with best friend Leah, he sets about advertising for the perfect parents – creating posters and setting up a meeting time to interview any prospective new adoring mums and dads .
This is a fantastic book that grabs you by the heart from the moment you meet Sam in his “ safe” space- a huge alleyway bin . Seeing his waryness and suspicion towards the adults in the story ( his foster family,his teachers ) exposes the reader to the intense level of emotion and hurt that this young character has already experienced in his short life.
Sam is a believable, fully realised and endearing character , written with such obvious warmth by Foster . There is great attention to detail to show to the reader the different sides of Sam – his friendships, his delightful drama talents and his obvious affection and gentleness with 6 year old Reilly from his current foster family. The deep emotions and serious issues of a child’s need to belong and own their own space within a family are beautifully and gently explored.
There is much humour along the way though. Foster creates genuinely funny, touching scenes throughout the book . Sam’s drama classes give him a chance to showcase his comic timing and his teasing friendship with Leah has a lovely fun dynamic .
At times, as a reader, you want to step into the story and take Sam by the shoulders to point out what ( or who)he might be overlooking in his increased desperation to find his Perfect Parents. So Stewart Foster’s aim to engage the reader is a complete success – at times I was cheering Sam on and at times I had my head in my hands !
I loved The Perfect Parents Project ; a story about the importance of belonging and trust and the value of the human connection to others. Love ,hugs , home and kindness above all else.
The last paragraph was utter perfection . Impossible to read without a huge emotional response.
Can’t recommend this enough.
December 8, 2024
I’m not much of a book reader. But during my college fest, I found myself wandering into a book fair. That’s where I came across "The Perfect Parent Project." The cover caught my eye, and I was curious. Of course, when my friends and parents saw the title, they thought I was planning to adopt a kid after college.
About the book?
I started reading at 5 PM, and by 3 AM, I was done. (Yes, with breaks—I’m not that hardcore!) I loved Sam, with his “little c, big C McCann”. Honestly, I didn’t like him much at first, but by the end, I couldn’t help rooting for him. I could even relate a little to his feeling of not belonging anywhere, though my experience isn’t nearly as serious as his.
In short: I loved it! Imagine me, giggling in the middle of the night, sitting under a single table lamp while my roommates were trying to sleep. By the time I finished, I was disappointed—not because the book wasn’t great, but because I wanted more! Even though my eyes were aching and my head was starting to hurt, I didn’t want it to end.
I’d definitely recommend this book. Go into it with no expectations, and you’ll end up loving it. It’s simple, heartwarming, and worth your time!
About the book?
I started reading at 5 PM, and by 3 AM, I was done. (Yes, with breaks—I’m not that hardcore!) I loved Sam, with his “little c, big C McCann”. Honestly, I didn’t like him much at first, but by the end, I couldn’t help rooting for him. I could even relate a little to his feeling of not belonging anywhere, though my experience isn’t nearly as serious as his.
In short: I loved it! Imagine me, giggling in the middle of the night, sitting under a single table lamp while my roommates were trying to sleep. By the time I finished, I was disappointed—not because the book wasn’t great, but because I wanted more! Even though my eyes were aching and my head was starting to hurt, I didn’t want it to end.
I’d definitely recommend this book. Go into it with no expectations, and you’ll end up loving it. It’s simple, heartwarming, and worth your time!
June 24, 2021
Ah Sam, canım Sam! Bağrıma basmak istediğim kitap karakterlerinden biri oldun. Sen karşındakinden empati bekledin vermediğinde ben sinirlendim, kalbin kırıldı benim gözlerim doldu, kahkahalarını içinde tutmaya çalıştığında benim gözlerimden gülmekten yaşlar geldi. Kitap nasıl başladı, nasıl bitti anlayamadım su gibi aktı gitti.
Ailemizin bizi olumlu/olumsuz ne kadar etkilediği üzerine harika bir kitap. 11 yaşındaki Sam'in koruyucu ailelerin yanında olmaktan, kimseye, hiçbir yere bağlanamamaktan bıkması, sadece onu sevecek bir ailesi olmasını istemesi üzerine "Mükemmel Aile Projesi"ni hayata geçirmesini anlatıyor. Sam evlat edinilmeyi beklemektense kendisine, kendi kriterlerine göre mükemmel aileyi bulmaya çalışır.
Kitap bana birçok duyguyu aynı anda yaşattı. Üzüldüm, güldüm, sinirlendim, yer yer insanların ne kadar nankör olduğunu fark ettim. Kitabı bitirdiğim andan beri bütün aileme gidip sımsıkı sarılmak, onları ne kadar çok sevdiğimi söylemek istiyorum. Sırf bu yaşattığı duygu için bile 10 numara 5 yıldız kitap.
Ailemizin bizi olumlu/olumsuz ne kadar etkilediği üzerine harika bir kitap. 11 yaşındaki Sam'in koruyucu ailelerin yanında olmaktan, kimseye, hiçbir yere bağlanamamaktan bıkması, sadece onu sevecek bir ailesi olmasını istemesi üzerine "Mükemmel Aile Projesi"ni hayata geçirmesini anlatıyor. Sam evlat edinilmeyi beklemektense kendisine, kendi kriterlerine göre mükemmel aileyi bulmaya çalışır.
Kitap bana birçok duyguyu aynı anda yaşattı. Üzüldüm, güldüm, sinirlendim, yer yer insanların ne kadar nankör olduğunu fark ettim. Kitabı bitirdiğim andan beri bütün aileme gidip sımsıkı sarılmak, onları ne kadar çok sevdiğimi söylemek istiyorum. Sırf bu yaşattığı duygu için bile 10 numara 5 yıldız kitap.
January 23, 2021
I was rather excited to read this and joined netgalley in the hope that I could read it early. I was very lucky to get a copy. My first netgally book!
What I loved is that this is a story about Sam, who is a foster child. I can't think of many stories about foster children and when I do they are always very violent, unsettled and the reason they are in care is their behaviour. This is not the case for this book and it's perfect to read about a child that the system is a way has failed.
The number of children that get adopted at 11 is very very low, many children end up being stuck in a system forever that makes them feel abandoned.
In this book we hear differently from Sam and his inner thoughts, the amount of times I think, if only you could share what you are thinking then everything would work out. It's important to be reminded that trauma does not need to be physical, emotional trauma also leaves it mark. An emotional read!
What I loved is that this is a story about Sam, who is a foster child. I can't think of many stories about foster children and when I do they are always very violent, unsettled and the reason they are in care is their behaviour. This is not the case for this book and it's perfect to read about a child that the system is a way has failed.
The number of children that get adopted at 11 is very very low, many children end up being stuck in a system forever that makes them feel abandoned.
In this book we hear differently from Sam and his inner thoughts, the amount of times I think, if only you could share what you are thinking then everything would work out. It's important to be reminded that trauma does not need to be physical, emotional trauma also leaves it mark. An emotional read!
October 8, 2020
Having been moved on so many times in his life, it's not surprising that Sam feels unable to put down roots with his current foster family, With the assistance of his friend Leah, he hatches a plan to find himself the Perfect Parents', ones who can take him to Disneyland, drive a BMW and, most importantly, will love him.
It's a story that will make you sigh, smile, and make you want to reach through the pages of the book (or your ereader screen) to give Sam a bone crunching hug and, on occasion, a knowing stare when he can't see what's right in front of his eyes!
I loved the other characters in this story too, particularly Reilly, Leah and Rock Star Steve.
Another winner from Stewart Foster, he never disappoints a reader.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ebook proof.
It's a story that will make you sigh, smile, and make you want to reach through the pages of the book (or your ereader screen) to give Sam a bone crunching hug and, on occasion, a knowing stare when he can't see what's right in front of his eyes!
I loved the other characters in this story too, particularly Reilly, Leah and Rock Star Steve.
Another winner from Stewart Foster, he never disappoints a reader.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ebook proof.
March 22, 2021
I found this a well written, sensitive portrayal of a boy whose experience of multiple foster homes has made him both desperate for a more permanent family and distrustful of the one he's with now. Sam is on occasion a heart-breaking character, his journey through the story full of moments the reader finds frustrating and hopeful. I really liked the positive depictions of the adults in this, from the social worker, Sam's foster parents and all the others he comes into contact with. I also did particularly like Reilly, the 7 year old son of his foster parents who Sam genuinely loves. A really good novel with a positive ending.
My thanks to #NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC in return for an honest review
My thanks to #NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for the ARC in return for an honest review
November 15, 2020
Sam has lived in lots of foster homes so he fully expects to have to leave his current one. Rather than wait for his social worker to tell him its time to move on, he decides to take matters into his own hands and embarks on a project to find the Perfect Parents.
This is the best book I’ve read this year and the easiest five star review I’ve given. It is both melancholy and heartwarming at the same time. The way the author describes Sam’s emotions and thought processes is utterly believable. I just wanted to reach into the book and give him a big hug. Read it. You won’t be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the best book I’ve read this year and the easiest five star review I’ve given. It is both melancholy and heartwarming at the same time. The way the author describes Sam’s emotions and thought processes is utterly believable. I just wanted to reach into the book and give him a big hug. Read it. You won’t be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2021
We read this book over quite a few nights and WOW! Not only did the boys love it, but I loved it too.
Sam is a fabulous main character who you really wish the very best for. I loved that a foster child is the main character and the boys learnt about how this can feel for a person who is often moved from house to house and has little knowledge of his birth parents. They were both really invested in him finding happiness and it led to some really insightful conversations with them.
I must admit, the last couple of chapters had me welling up. It really is a super book which we all LOVED and highly recommend to all.
Sam is a fabulous main character who you really wish the very best for. I loved that a foster child is the main character and the boys learnt about how this can feel for a person who is often moved from house to house and has little knowledge of his birth parents. They were both really invested in him finding happiness and it led to some really insightful conversations with them.
I must admit, the last couple of chapters had me welling up. It really is a super book which we all LOVED and highly recommend to all.
February 28, 2021
11 year old Sam is a foster kid. He currently lives with Reilly and Reilly's mum and dad. But he is worried that he will be moved yet again so, with the help of his friend Leah, he starts The Perfect Parent Project, to try and find his forever home.
Sam is a complicated character. His life so far has been full of upheaval and he finds it difficult to trust anyone. This leads to him getting into all sorts of trouble as he attempts to get what he thinks he wants.
This is a really great read from Stewart Foster - suitable for older primary children.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sam is a complicated character. His life so far has been full of upheaval and he finds it difficult to trust anyone. This leads to him getting into all sorts of trouble as he attempts to get what he thinks he wants.
This is a really great read from Stewart Foster - suitable for older primary children.
Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for this advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2020
We have too few books about foster children! In that sense, this is an important book, taking one through the turmoil of being “unwanted”. I really wanted to have liked it more, but it was way too predictable and took much too long to get to the conclusion that was obvious right from the beginning. Plus, the “perfect parents” were a big red flag to me. Dave was always making fun of Michelle, her cooking, her driving, etc. At first I thought there was more to it, but apparently it was just humour. And the nephew was picking up on it. No. Just, nope!
(Review copy from Netgalley)
(Review copy from Netgalley)
October 30, 2020
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for allowing me an ARC to review.
Such a lovely but heartbreaking book about a foster kid who just wants parents who love him. I felt such a range of emotions throughout this story it was hard to keep a grip on what was going on, but that was mirrored by Sam’s experiences which made it a fairly unique read. All the characters were gorgeously written and I particularly loved the relationship between Sam and Reilly. I think this is a really important book for all children to read so they can hopefully begin to understand what looked after children go through.
Such a lovely but heartbreaking book about a foster kid who just wants parents who love him. I felt such a range of emotions throughout this story it was hard to keep a grip on what was going on, but that was mirrored by Sam’s experiences which made it a fairly unique read. All the characters were gorgeously written and I particularly loved the relationship between Sam and Reilly. I think this is a really important book for all children to read so they can hopefully begin to understand what looked after children go through.
December 28, 2020
Another smashing book by Stewart Foster. The book explored a very strong theme of finding home and family. It was funny yet heartbreaking. Sam was a model protagonist. He had his strengths and flaws which made him likeable in my opinions. However I sometimes questioned his choices but it's probably a part of the story. Leah was also a lovable character, always supporting no matter what went on with her life. The book provided a strong message at the end which was nice. The story was wrapped up nicely with a bow which was very satisfactory. Devoured this book and will recommend to anyone 9+.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2021
A really good insight into the feelings of a foster child, the frustration and fear of never having roots and the workings of social services around them. Also, a lovely positive ending! I just felt the story went on too long for a middle grade reader without a pacy plot to keep them gripped. Also, as an adult reader (and I appreciate this wasn’t aimed at me!) I was frustrated with the many unanswered questions and the unrealistic premise of a loving, concerned foster parent letting a vulnerable 11yr old child be out all day every day or after school without checking where they were.
March 19, 2024
It is funny because it was the same as when we first met and we had to get together for dinner at a bar in a few minutes so we could go out to dinner together but we had a lot to say about the fact we had to get out and do some things that were not really necessary but I was so excited about that I just want you know that we had to do that because we had a good conversation about the relationship that I was in with my family.
January 27, 2021
A truly magnificent and heartwarming story about Sam, a Foster child who decides to find his perfect parents before he gets moved to another home.
It'll make you laugh. It will make you smile. It will definitely make you cry.
Fantastic story that I would recommend to anyone.
It'll make you laugh. It will make you smile. It will definitely make you cry.
Fantastic story that I would recommend to anyone.
January 29, 2021
Outstanding MG novel about fostering and the importance of family.
You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
You can read my full review here: http://vsviewfromthebookshelves.home....
April 7, 2021
In absolute bits by the end of this heart-wrenching insight into the emotional turmoil of a child in foster-care. My heart broke for Sam who simply wanted to be wanted and to be properly hugged. Thanks @stewfoster1 for appreciating the precious gift of a loving family
August 11, 2021
A thoughtful and realistic portrayal of 11 year old, Sam, who is in the foster system. He desperately wants to have parents and be part of a real family, rather than keep moving on from foster family to foster family, with all the stress and upheaval that entails.
The author doesn't sugar-coat Sam's situation, but portrays his feelings and experiences, and how Sam tries to create his future. The ending is hopeful, but not happy-ever-after.
The author doesn't sugar-coat Sam's situation, but portrays his feelings and experiences, and how Sam tries to create his future. The ending is hopeful, but not happy-ever-after.
November 20, 2024
Having read and loved The boy in the bubble, I read this one, which was also brilliant. The way the author portrays this boy who just wants to have parents and permanence, is inspired. Again, it has you crying then laughing, a sure sign to me of superlative writing.
January 27, 2021
The story of Sam who doesn't feel wanted or that he belongs. Another story which breaks my heart as it gives voice to those in foster care yet warms it to the very end
February 6, 2021
Beautifully written. I was really rooting for Sam throughout!
April 18, 2021
Awesome book- would recommend!
September 2, 2022
wow!!!!!! this is really good!
October 22, 2023
It was really sad reading it from a child's pov but good book i liked it
Guys i promise it did not take me a year to read this i just forgot to update
Guys i promise it did not take me a year to read this i just forgot to update
December 31, 2024
4.5 - loved this!
January 3, 2025
4.5 - loved this!
July 19, 2023
Well he’s only gone and done it again. I totally fell in love with Sam from the very beginning, and loved watching his journey throughout. Such a difficult position for any child, but Stewart has yet again handled it with such grace and empathy. Just perfection!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews