Because of Mr. Terupt

By Rob Buyea
Rating: 4 1/4 stars

This story is told through the eyes of 7 different students in first year teacher's Mr. Terupt's 5th grade class.  There is class clown Peter, smart kid Luke, new girl Jessica, bully Alexia, uninterested Peter, overweight Danielle, shy Anna.  Each student has their own point of view and each one also has a little something to hide in their life.  But what they all have in common is enjoying the way Mr. Terupt is teaching, and bit by bit, the class begins to not only learn but to grow up a little, too.  But then one day--a day meant to be lots of fun--a terrible accident occurs.  Whose fault is what happens?  And what will the consequences be?  Readers will be drawn into the story and wonder right along with the kids if the accident could have been avoided and if things could have been different.  Either way, it is a strong story that is easily swallowed in a couple of big bites and readers will definitely like Mr. Terupt as much as his class.