My friend Meghan read these books and loved them. No wonder why--she's a fifth grade teacher and the story hits close to home as Mr. Terupt is a fifth grade teacher. Because of Mr. Terupt is Buyea's first novel. After teaching for several years, he turned to writing full time and while I can only imagine what a great teacher he was, he's truly found his calling with writing novels. I'm not the only one who agrees...the first book in this trilogy (Saving Mr. Terupt is the last one but I haven't read it because it isn't being delivered to my house until late August, but just know that there is a third book) won seven state awards and was named an E.B. White Read Aloud Honor Book. I feel certain that my friend Meghan's fifth graders will be hearing this book this year! I wonder if she will let me come listen...
What makes these books truly unique (aside from the plot...but I am not going to spoil that one) is Mr. Terupt himself, a character created from the first person accounts we get from each of his students told in alternating chapters. Mr. Terupt never gets a chapter of his own to tell his story in either books (Mr. Terupt Falls Again chronicles the students' sixth grade year and I have been told that Saving Mr. Terupt is about seventh grade) but yet we get to know him intimately through the eyes of his students. As a teacher myself, this was eye-opening--to see what the children in our classes see on a daily basis, to hear what they think about, wonder about. These books are amazing.
Now, I won't lie. I got mad at Lexie in the first book and didm't want to keep reading, but was urged to and am glad that I did. I also got upset with the plot in book one (there's a tragedy) and didn't pick up the book for an entire day (true story) before I was again urged to keep reading and I am glad that I did.
Mr friend Meghan said that she'd happily read a book about eighth grade, one about ninth grade, and so on and so on. So, I thought I'd put this out there. Just in case Mr. Buyea ever reads this. You never know. Authors have read and commented on my blogs before, so it could happen. I'm right there with her. So, Mr. Buyea...if you write them, we will read them! :)
Happy reading!
-Dodie
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