Book Review on The Perfect Parent Project

The Perfect Parent Project

AUTHOR: STEWART FOSTER

REVIEW BY: Aarti Thejus

CATEGORY

Fiction, Emotional, Could be unsettling for some

MAIN PLOT

    The book is about a story revolving around the life of a foster child, although it is fictional. 

    The main character, Sam McCann, is a foster child, and all he has ever dreamed of is having real parents. Someone to call mum or dad. He is sick and tired of constantly moving from family to family. Right now, he is staying with Reilly, a six-year-old boy, and his parents. Reilly's mum, Sarah, is overprotective and keeps asking Sam where he's been, what he's been doing, and why he's so late. Sam always gets annoyed by these questions - and often lies. So, when he and his best friend Leah think up the Perfect Parent Project, or the PPP, he is really excited. The PPP is a project Sam and Leah made to find Sam's perfect parents - or parent. They post flyers, wash people's cars to try to get to know them, and finally become friends with a friendly couple - Michelle and Dave (possibly perfect parents?), and their nephew (Josh). Back at Reilly's house, Sam battles with the idea of finding his perfect parents vs leaving Reilly, who he loves. It's the last straw for Sam - when he finds a list of names - Reilly's, Sarah's, Tom's (Reilly's dad), and Sam's. There's a tick against everyone's names and a cross next to his. He finds out that it has something to do with Disneyland and imagines that Reilly's family isn't taking him. Sam runs away. He cycles to Michelle and Dave's house - and asks them to adopt him. Sadly enough, they say no. They say they don't want kids. They say Sam could visit whenever he wants. They call the police. Sam runs away again. He thinks everyone hates him. When Leah helps his foster parents and his mentor finds him, he is taken back to Reilly's house. Will he be able to live with Reilly's family, and learn how to love them, or will the thought of moving from house to house haunt him forever?

AGE GROUP

I personally think that anyone can read this book, but I also think that children should check with their parents, because of the bad influence it can have with references to continuous lying, running away, hiding, and a showcase of rebellious behaviour. 

ROLE MODELS

People like Sarah (Sam's foster mum), and Rock Star Steve (Sam's mentor) are awesome role models.

Sarah - Sarah is kind and loving. She tries to include Sam in whatever they do, but Sam usually refuses. Slightly overprotective, she worries about Sam when he gets late. Sarah also often treats Sam the way she would treat her own child - disciplining him when necessary. 

Rock Star Steve - Rock Star Steve is a wonderful mentor, and Sam thinks of him as a pal. Sam also thinks that Rock Star Steve would be a wonderful dad, and usually shares his feeling with Steve. Rock Star Steve is trustworthy, helpful, and knows exactly what to do in different situations.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR

Foster parents, and people who interact with foster children on an everyday basis, but anyone can read this book.

INAPPROPRIATE AREAS

None

QUESTIONS/DISCUSSION POINTS

What emotions does Sam experience?

How was Leah a good friend?

What does Sam learn at the end of the book?

How does Sam change from the start of the book and the end?

How do you think Sam feels when he juggles finding perfect parents, keeping in     touch with Leah, going to drama practice, and getting back home?

English Extension

How has the author used language in the book?

How has the author created suspense?

How does the author draw the reader into the story?

OTHERS

Minor references to themes like divorce, separation, and teen pregnancies.

Throughout the book, strong friendships, hopefulness, and perseverance are     showcased.