Because of Mr. Terupt

Because of Mr. Terupt (2010) is a middle-grade novel that takes place in Mr. Terupt’s fifth-grade class at Snow Hill School in Connecticut. The story is told from the perspectives of seven individual students in Mr. Terupt’s class. Mr. Terupt himself is a new teacher who attempts to teach lessons about personal responsibility, but his good intentions backfire when he falls victim to a tragic schoolyard accident that leaves him in a coma. The novel addresses themes of guilt, parent-child relationships, and cooperation.

Author Rob Buyea taught third grade, fourth grade, and high school before becoming a full-time writer. He also has a background in coaching wrestling (likewise, Mr. Terupt was a wrestler in his youth). Because of Mr. Terupt was Buyea’s first book and is an E. B. White Read Aloud Honor Book. Rob Buyea has written two sequels to Because of Mr. Terupt: Mr. Terupt Falls Again and Saving Mr. Terupt.

This summary is based on the 2011 First Yearling Edition.

Content Warning: The source material and this guide feature depictions of bullying and ableism. In addition, one of the characters uses an ableist slur.

Plot Summary

The novel spans 10 months and follows the school year chronologically from September through June.