because of mr. terupt by Rob Buyea

About a year ago another author suggested I read A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. It was a fantastic book.

A year before that, I was at an ELA Conference and picked up a book called because of  mr. terupt by Rob Buyea and put it in my "to read" stack. A couple weeks ago, I was choosing a book to read with my son and saw that John Irving had praised Buyea's book on the front cover. So, what the heck, let's try it.

A new teacher. Seven different students with unique behavior and perspectives. Buyea does a fantastic job of giving us multiple views of the same events from a group of middle school students. The book is fast-moving and fresh. We get to see each student evolve and grow up through a school year. Something elementary and middle school teachers actually do for real each school year.

Students can learn some valuable lessons in this book about how to treat others and the dangers of judging classmates without really knowing them. These lessons revolve around the "mean girl" bully, the new girl, the class clown, the brain, the quiet girl, the follower, and the disengaged student. How does a new teacher figure out how to reach them all? You'll have to read to find out. They are on their way to be drawn together, but "the event" really pulls them closer and teaches them each important lessons. Again, you'll have to read to find out.

A terrific book for fifth or sixth grade classes or for struggling readers in seventh grade. A great addition to all classrooms. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Let's get this started with one of my favorites. This book is not self-published but it is a great read and the book club students loved it!

After Eli by Rebecca Rupp

After Danny Anderson's older brother is killed in Iraq, he and his family struggle to get back on track. Danny's grieving includes the creation of a binder he fills with details about dead people and the reason they died.

A few years later, Danny begins to come out of his fog. He meets a bunch of quirky characters over one memorable summer. These include; Walter the school outcast, Isabelle the beautiful stranger, Isabelle's strange younger siblings Jasper and Journey, and Jim and Emma his new employers and friends of his deceased brother.

Each of the people he meets teach him something about himself and the possibilities that exist around him.

available at: https://www.amazon.com/After-Eli-Rebecca-Rupp/dp/0763658103

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