What Comes Next by Rob Buyea

This is a story of a good dog who helps people heal.  He's fun, he's likes everyone and Theo shares her dog with her sisters and friends.

Delacorte Books for Young Readers and Edelweiss let me read this book for review (thank you).  It will be published on June 8th.

Thea has lost her best friend, he was a victim in a traffic accident.  She feels like she could have saved him by trading him places but it's too late now.  Her parents decide to move to another city where no one would know this sad history.

When they are all moved in, they decide to go look for a dog.  They visit the shelter and pick out one that is grown and has a bad eye like her friend.

All goes well for a while.  Thea, who became mute after the accident, begins to speak again.  Her little sisters play hide and seek with the dog.  The dog comforts Theo.  He reminds her of Charlie, her friend.

Then, one day, her new male friend almost gets killed in another accident, but the dog saves him.  But then the dog goes missing...

Will they ever find Jack Jack, the dog?

Mr. Terupt Falls Again by Rob Buyea

This title scared me.  In the last book I read, Mr. Terupt almost died from a head wound, and I was fearful this might mean bad news.  However, it's not that kind of fall...

Delacorte Press sent me a copy of this book for review (thank you).  It has been published, so check with your local bookstore for a copy.

I am impressed by the way Mr. Buyea writes.  He puts you right in the minds of his middle graders and there is a feel of authenticity about their conversations and desires.  He brings his own classroom experience into the books.  I also like the way he "title drops" Newbery winners through out the book.  If you aren't sure what kind of books to get your child, this book can serve as a guide.  He offers lots of good old classics that stand up to the test of time.

Mr. Terupt does fall again, but you'll need to read the story to see how.  His play on words is most appropriate. 

These stories are easy to read and entertaining.  Middle school readers will enjoy them and relate to the characters.  Why not give your young reader both books for Christmas so they can follow this class on their journey to adulthood?

Happy reading.  

because of mr. terupt by Rob Buyea

It's the start of fifth grade and they have a new teacher this year.  But they sure didn't expect one like him!

Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers sent me a hardcover of this story for review.  It's written for ages 9-12 and is currently available at your local bookstore.

This story touched me, it's special.  The seven students all come into class with their own baggage and their own expectations.  Amazingly, Mr. Terupt doesn't respond to them the way teachers have in the past.  He sees more of what they do (and what they don't) and he handles any problems promptly and with unusual techniques.  None of them are quite sure why he doesn't get more upset, or why he allows them more freedoms and more activities, but they sure are starting to enjoy their classes.  And they are learning a lot about each other, too.

When Mr. Terupt is injured in an unfortunate accident and goes into a coma, they learn even more about themselves.  They also learn how much Mr. Terupt has given them by coaxing them to use their strengths.

I had a very special teacher mentor in grade school and another in high school.  Their belief in me made me what I am today (with the help of Mom, my major cheerleader).  Teachers who really care can be a very strong influence on a child.  Mr. Buyea was a teacher himself, and draws on his experience to give you a true look into one classroom.

I'd recommend this book as good for young readers of both sexes.  It demonstrates how your home life and the problems there can influence how you do in school and why you act the way you do.  It's not all peaches and cream, but it is a positive book overall. 

Go check it out at your local bookstore, it's on the shelves now.