Because of Mr. Terupt

 Because of Mr. Terupt by Roby Buyea

I daresay this 2013 Bluestem nominee ought to be shared and shared often as well as widely. Although the book is about a fifth grade class, its message is appropriate for younger classes, older children and the adults who teach them, parents, grandparents and instructors alike. Regardless of background, who can argue against themes of love, forgiveness, hope and patience?

This is the year in the life of seven students in one of the fifth grade classes at Snow Hill School in Connecticut. There are seven voices, three boys and four girls. Each takes a turn at telling their side of the story. They tell their perspective of the year that Mr. Terupt, rookie teacher, arrived and began to change the atmosphere in one room. This fresh air, once it caught on, could not be contained. It had to be shared by one timid child at a time.

First, meet Peter, mischief maker, prankster. We all knew him in school. He is the class clown. He acts before he thinks. He speaks before he thinks. Classmates wonder if he ever thinks. Peter knows just how far he can push a teacher’s buttons before discipline is in his future. Up until now, he has determined that his antics are mostly under the radar. Mr. Terupt is already on to him.

Jessica is the new girl. She and her mother have traveled all the way from the West Coast to the East Coast to escape Jessica’s father and his new girlfriend. Jessica thought her father had dumped her mother, but she is beginning to discover that her father has dumped her as well. It is hard enough to navigate your home life without having to learn the friendship rules at a new school. Gratefully, she has Mr. Terupt to guide her.

Every class has the brain and Mr. Terupt’s class is no different. Luke is smart and knows it. He is accustomed to understanding assignments and he is used to be ahead of the game. He is ambitious to a fault. He wants to win. Mr. Terupt surprises him with alternative projects like “Dollar Words”. Luke thrives as always, but doesn’t expect other classmates to thrive as well and sometimes better.

(Growl) Alexia is the girl we love to hate. She is a manipulative little Queen Bee. She is the instigator of Girl Wars. You want to be her friend only to protect yourself. Keep your friends close. Keep your enemies closer. You might be her best friend today and an outcast tomorrow, but no one is willing to stand up to her bullying. Of course, there is a bully behind every bully. Mr. Terupt encourages the other children to take a stand against her, and when they will not, he intervenes much to the disappointment and shame on both sides.

Along with Jeffrey, the quiet boy with a tragic secret at home; Danielle, the fat girl who has a strong relationship with God; and Anna, the shy daughter of the much too young, single mother; Mr. Terupt works magic in the classroom up until the tragic accident that leaves him in a coma. And every one of the seven children owns a piece of the blame. Fortunately, the absence of their beloved teacher allows the remaining magic to blossom into healing all around.

Love

Forgiveness

Hope

Patience

We are all in need. We can learn Because of Mr. Terupt.
The companion novel is already published Mr. Terupt Falls Again.