Because of Mr. Terupt

The fifth graders at Snow Hill School are getting ready for the school year to start. This year, they have a brand new teacher named Mr. Terupt. This makes Peter excited because he is looking forward to getting away with all kinds of crazy pranks. Jessica feels a little less worried about her move, knowing she isn’t the only one new to the school. Alexia just hopes Mr. Terupt is cool; she really has so much more to worry about, like becoming friends with the new girl and starting some girl wars. Danielle is happy to see that their teacher is nice and fair. Luke loves to learn and he can’t stand the way Peter causes so much trouble in class, so he is relieved to see that his teacher seems like he will keep the class clown under control. Anna is quiet and has gone for so long without friends that all she really wants is a friend and for her teacher to not make her stand out. Jeffrey just plain hates school and knows this year will be awful. None of the kids in Mr. Terupt’s class have ever had a teacher like him. He is nice, witty, and full of enthusiasm. He doesn’t let kids get away with much, but likes to laugh and reprimand kids in a way that isn’t embarrassing. Best of all, he plans excellent projects and gets the kids in class working and having fun. There are some bumps in the road, but for the most part things seem to be going well, until the accident happens. Will everyone survive? Who is to blame for it? How will everyone change? You won’t want to miss this book, and you will be holding your breath, anxiously waiting to find out how everything turns out. 

Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea really touched me and made me think about teachers and the impact they have on their students. Every teacher is a little bit different and they bring out a variety of characteristics in their students. The story is told from multiple perspectives, which adds to the depth of the story and helps to generate a good connection with the kids in the class. When I had the chance to see each situation from a different point of view it made me realize that so often we misjudge something because we think we know what is going on, but are missing important pieces of the puzzle. The story flowed nicely and the pacing was perfect. I liked their teacher Mr. Terupt, and I know it would be a blast to be in his class. I would certainly recommend this book to kids in fourth through eighth grade. Even better- a sequel is coming out soon. I can’t wait! This is a book that should not be missed! 
Has anyone else read Because of Mr. Terupt?  Or read another book by Rob Buyea?
Happy Reading!
~LFEAR NOT THE UNEXPECTED