Stewart Foster Collection 4 Books Set - Fiction - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
Bubble Boy
All The Things That Could Go Wrong
Check Mates
The Perfect Parent Project

Format: Paperback Bunko
ISBN: 9781398504349

Overview:
This four-book collection brings together Stewart Foster’s acclaimed middle-grade novels in a single, accessible paperback bundle. Crafted for readers aged 10 and up, the set pairs humor with heart and invites readers to step into vivid, character-driven worlds. From the hospital-bound realism of Bubble Boy to the playful yet poignant explorations of family, friendship, and resilience in the other titles, these stories blend empathy with wit. Each story stands alone but shares a gentle through-line about courage, belonging, and learning to navigate life’s surprising challenges. The collection is ideal for gifting to curious readers who like lively plots, relatable protagonists, and themes that spark discussion. It also makes a smart addition to classroom libraries looking for accessible, award-winning stories that support social-emotional learning. Publisher: Simon & Schuster; Edition details reflect the original UK paperback editions.

What This Collection Covers:
Across these four stories, Foster threads themes of resilience, empathy, and personal growth through distinct lenses. Bubble Boy introduces a boy who has long lived in a sterile world, teaching the power of friendship to break out of isolation. All The Things That Could Go Wrong follows Dan as he processes loss and channel his anger into a surprising journey with his former foe. Check Mates centers on Felix, whose ADHD complicates school life but also reveals creativity and persistence in the face of misunderstanding. The Perfect Parent Project offers a poignant look at foster care, trust, and the idea that family can be chosen as well as given. Foster’s four narratives provide a cohesive reading experience—accessible for newer readers yet deeply rewarding for older ones who appreciate character-driven storytelling. The tone shifts from humorous to touching to hopeful, always anchored in empathy and social awareness.

Book-by-Book Guide:
Bubble Boy
In this heartfelt tale, Joe is an 11-year-old who has spent most of his life in a hospital because of a fragile immune system. He clings to superhero fantasies and a carefully controlled world, until someone new enters his life and challenges the quiet rhythms of his days. The story balances warmth and humor with the realities of illness, inviting readers to celebrate resilience, creativity, and the courage to trust others. It’s a reminder that friendship can open doors that medicine alone cannot. All The Things That Could Go Wrong
Dan is grappling with anger and grief after his older brother departs from his life. When he’s forced to spend time with Alex, a rival, the two must navigate the holiday period together. What unfolds is a slow burn toward understanding, moments of vulnerability, and a surprising shift in their relationship. Foster’s portrayal of family dynamics and growth feels authentic and emotionally resonant, offering readers a believable path from conflict to connection. Check Mates
Felix faces the daily hurdles of school life shaped by ADHD, making concentration and routine feel like battles. His world is candid, sometimes chaotic, yet his bond with a grandfather provides new perspectives on strengths and strategy. The story invites readers to look beyond labels and celebrate resilience, humor, and genuine friendship. It’s an accessible, thoughtful exploration of navigating challenges with honesty and optimism. The Perfect Parent Project
Sam has spent much of his life in and out of foster care and longs for a sense of belonging. He postulates an ad to find perfect parents, quickly learning that family can be built through care, commitment, and mutual trust. Foster’s storytelling blends warmth with wit, delivering a moving meditation on identity, loyalty, and the idea that “home” can be created through connection and choice.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
Ideal for readers aged 10 and up who appreciate empathetic, grounded middle-grade fiction with real-life stakes. This four-book collection works beautifully in classroom libraries and home libraries alike, offering accessible entry points for readers building confidence and a taste for character-driven narratives. It also serves as an excellent gift set for families seeking meaningful, uplifting stories about friendship, resilience, and what it means to belong.

Key Benefits:

• Offers a cohesive reading journey through four distinct, heartfelt stories
• Engages readers with relatable characters facing everyday challenges
• Great for classrooms: prompts discussions on empathy, resilience, and social skills
• Perfect gift set for fans of thoughtful, humorous middle-grade fiction
• Accessible paperback Bunko edition suitable for shared reading and solo reading

Award-winning author Stewart Foster’s work has earned recognition in schools and libraries, underscoring the collection’s credibility and appeal.

About the Author:
Stewart Foster is a celebrated author of both children’s and adult fiction. His debut children’s novel, The Bubble Boy, won the Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Award in 2016 and has been widely praised by schools and libraries for its accessible blend of humor and sensitivity. Foster followed with titles such as Check Mates, The Perfect Parent Project, and All The Things That Could Go Wrong, each featuring relatable protagonists and themes of friendship, resilience, and belonging. His work is known for balancing warmth with realism, inviting readers to engage with difficult topics through empathy, laughter, and hope. These four titles in the collection showcase his knack for crafting memorable, human-centered stories that resonate across ages.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
If you’re building a complete reading experience, this four-book collection delivers a rich, interconnected journey through friendship, family, and personal growth. Owning the full set means instant access to four powerful, award-winning stories in one affordable package, ideal for gifting, classroom discussion, or expanding a personal library. The paperback Bunko format keeps the reading experience approachable and portable, while each title—told in the distinct voices of Joe, Dan, Felix, and Sam—offers broad appeal for diverse readers and moods.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.