Mr. Terupt Falls Again by Rob Buyea

This is book two in the Mr. Terupt series. It has been several years since I read the first, Because of Mr. Terupt. In that one, Mr. Terupt is a beloved 5th grade teacher, and the narrators are seven of the students in his class: Peter, Alexia, Danielle, Jeffrey, Jessica, Anna, and Luke. The plot follows the students through their unforgettable 5th grade year at Snow Hill School. I remember loving how the author changes perspectives by changing narrators with every chapter (much like R.J. Palacio's book Wonder). That way the reader knows each major character's inmost thoughts and feelings directly.

Mr. Terupt Falls Again picks up where the first book leaves off--in the summer between 5th and 6th grade. Mr. Terupt is looping up with his class to teach 6th grade, and his students are helping him move classrooms. From there the story follows the same seven students through their last year at Snow Hill School.

Because this book deals with a couple of mature topics, I recommend it to 5th and 6th graders who like realistic fiction. It has an even mixture of boy and girl characters, action, and even a little elementary school romance. I especially like that this story shows us a peek into the healthy and beautiful classroom environment a wonderful teacher can build with his/her students.

Warning: This is one of those stories that is much better read in series order! Since it had been many years and many, many books since I read the first Mr. Terupt, I felt a little lost at times. Readers should consider reading the 3-book series in relatively quick succession.

Looking forward to reading the third book Saving Mr. Terupt soon!
Mrs. N.