Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea
I truly believe that the best way to find out about a book is through sharing our reading. This is a practice I use in my classroom as we all share out what we are currently reading. How lovely it was one afternoon when a former student stopped by after school to visit. It was during our conversation that it struck me how the impact of what we share as educators lives within our students long after they leave us. My student had been wanting to come to share a book that she had just read because it reminded her of her fifth grade class and me.
"Me?" I asked.
"Well, the teacher in the book is a man, but the way the students feel about him is the way we all feel about you," she replied. "Also, some of the characters in the story I could definitely put the face to from kids in our class."
Okay, not only did this student take the time to come visit me, but she was excited to share a book? This was a book I had to read.
Because of Mr. Terrupt by Rob Buyea is the story of a fifth grade teacher who made a huge impact on the lives of his students. The story takes a tragic turn that makes the students learn some life lessons and come together.
The students are a cast of characters that could easily be sitting in any fifth grade classroom. They include: Alexia, a mean girl with a past that later explains why she acts this way; Peter, a trouble maker/prankster who will surprise you when another side of him is revealed; Jessica, the new girl who is trying to fit in and adjust to her family situation; Luke, the student who is considered "the brain" and will teach you about "dollar words"; Anna, the shy, sensitive girl who has trouble standing up for herself; Danielle, the sensitive, chubby, plain girl who struggles with how she looks and prays to God often; and Jeffrey, who hates school and has a secret that is later revealed that explains his outlook. The teacher is Mr. Terupt who is the new fifth grade teacher who seems to be able to make all of his students feel welcomed and creates a classroom full of fun and learning.
I've since read this book as a read aloud to my fifth grade class. It has provided a stage for many great conversations. I might add that it has also made a few students consider how they treat others. This book is the first of three Mr. Terupt books by Rob Buyea.
Hi Kathie. I read your post from last Sunday but decided to just comment here on both posts. I am so glad that TeachWrite Tribe Facebook group has sparked your writing life. That was our goal. And honestly, I am amazed at how this group has grown. There is obviously a need.
ReplyDeleteI read Because of Mr. Terrupt several years ago, but I have never had many student read it. Maybe I need to do a book talk on this again. Mr. Terrupt is such a great role model.
Thanks for sharing this one and keep writing!
Hi Leigh Anne. Thanks for responding to my blog. The TeachWrite Tribe came along at just the right time! Sharing what we write, as well as what we read, is so energizing. I believe that when we do this with our students that same spark of energy helps to ignite their reading and writing goals. I'm glad that you are considering a book talk about Because of Mr. Terupt. It is also great as a class read aloud because of all the connections the students make and the discussions that naturally happen.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for your response and encouragement!
I'll have to read this one. Thanks!
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