Rob Buyea’s debut novel, Because of Mr. Terupt, features a rookie teacher and seven students, each with their own unique quirks and personalities.
The narration passes back and forth between the students – Peter, the class clown; Jessica, the new girl; Luke, the brainiac; Alexia, the manipulator; Jeffrey, the slacker; Danielle, the pushover; and Anna, the introvert – as they tell the tale of their fifth grade year at Snow Hill School. Each of them are quick to put Mr. Terupt and one another to the test. While the students themselves seem to be frustrated by their peers, Mr. Terupt is unfazed. He sees the best in each of these students, even when they don’t see the best in themselves.
Among the fifth grade chaos, Mr. Terupt simply instructs. Somehow, while teaching math, science, and English, he also teaches his students life lessons that impact each of their lives – lessons that last beyond the classroom. For example, each student learns impactful lessons by partnering with a Collaborative Classroom, especially the ones who seem least likely to.
When faced with an unexpected challenge that leaves them without their teacher and mentor, his students – who begin the year as far apart as they possibly can be – eventually come together as they apply the lessons imparted by Mr. Terupt. In the end, they find a community within their class that surprises them all.
We’re sure that this title will be fun and engaging for older elementary and middle school students and their teachers. Who knows – maybe Mr. Terupt will impart some of his unique life lessons onto you and your students as well! And, once your students are hooked on Mr. Terupt, they can read the rest of the four-book series.