Step into the heartwarming world of the Mr. Terupt series, where a charismatic teacher and his seven unforgettable students weave a tale of friendship, growth, and life-changing lessons! Written by Rob Buyea, this middle-grade series captures the messy, beautiful journey of pre-teens navigating school and self-discovery, all under the guidance of a mentor who feels like magic (without the wand). Perfect for young readers and nostalgic adults, it’s a story that reminds us how one person can spark a lifetime of change.
How Mr. Terupt Began
Rob Buyea, a former teacher turned author, crafted the Mr. Terupt series from his own classroom experiences. Inspired by his third- and fourth-grade students in Connecticut, Buyea began writing to become a better writing teacher, dedicating his debut novel to them. The idea struck while he was gardening (not his forte!), when seven distinct student voices flooded his mind, demanding their story be told. Published in 2010, Because of Mr. Terupt launched a series that blends authenticity with emotional depth, earning accolades like the E.B. White Read Aloud Honor.
The Heart of Mr. Terupt
The series spans four books, each set in the fictional Snow Hill School. Because of Mr. Terupt introduces seven fifth-graders—Jessica, the perceptive new girl; Alexia, the unpredictable bully; Peter, the class clown; and others—whose lives intertwine under Mr. Terupt’s unconventional teaching. His puzzles and projects foster empathy, but a tragic accident tests their growth. Mr. Terupt Falls Again follows the crew into sixth grade, tackling secrets and big changes, while Saving Mr. Terupt sees them in seventh grade, facing new schools and a mission to save their beloved teacher. Goodbye, Mr. Terupt wraps up with bucket-list projects and bittersweet farewells.
Told through alternating student perspectives, the books shine with distinct voices and relatable struggles—friendship dramas, family secrets, and self-doubt. Themes of forgiveness, responsibility, and kindness weave through, grounded in Buyea’s teacherly insight. The Connecticut setting feels universal, a backdrop to universal pre-teen triumphs and heartaches, making it a staple for classroom reads and book clubs.
Why Mr. Terupt Resonates
The Mr. Terupt series has touched readers with its raw honesty and hope. Teachers praise its classroom relevance, sparking discussions on empathy and choices, while kids connect with characters who mirror their own insecurities. Its awards and state reading list nods reflect its impact, but fan letters to Buyea—some calling the books a “shining light”—reveal its emotional pull. By showing no one’s perfect, yet everyone can grow, it’s a timeless ode to the teachers who change us.
- About Mr. Terupt
- Publication: 2010–2020
- Books: 4 (Because of Mr. Terupt, Mr. Terupt Falls Again, Saving Mr. Terupt, Goodbye, Mr. Terupt)
- Awards: E.B. White Read Aloud Honor, Cybils Honor, multiple state awards
- Target Age: 8–12 (Grades 3–7)
Ready to meet Mr. Terupt and his unforgettable class? Grab Because of Mr. Terupt and dive into a middle-grade world where every lesson feels like a hug!