What This Book Is About
Seven fifth-graders walk into Mr. Terupt's classroom on the first day of school, and not one of them expects anything special. There's Peter, the class clown who hides his pain behind pranks. Jessica, the new girl from California who doesn't fit in. Lexie, the popular girl with a secret. Luke, the brainiac. Danielle, the quiet farm girl. Anna, who is practically invisible. And Jeffrey, who has simply given up on caring. Each student narrates a chapter in their own voice, and together they paint a portrait of a teacher who sees every single one of them.
Then one snowy day, everything changes. A single moment on the playground turns Mr. Terupt's classroom upside down and forces these seven very different kids to confront guilt, grief, and the question of what it really means to take responsibility. Written by a former teacher, Because of Mr. Terupt became a word-of-mouth sensation among elementary school readers and spawned three sequels. Rob Buyea's debut has been compared to Wonder for its warmth and emotional honesty—it's the kind of book that makes kids cry and then immediately hand it to a friend.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
The multi-narrator structure is a brilliant tool for teaching perspective and empathy—two skills at the heart of UWC's educational philosophy. Each chapter shifts into a different student's voice, and readers quickly discover that the same event looks completely different depending on who is telling the story. For students in an international school, where classmates bring vastly different backgrounds, this lesson in perspective-taking is not just literary—it's personal.
The book also tackles the consequences of actions with unflinching honesty. When the pivotal accident happens, every character must grapple with their role in it, learning that responsibility is not about blame but about growth. This aligns directly with UWC's emphasis on personal integrity and community. The accessible Lexile (560L) and short, voice-driven chapters make it an ideal confidence builder for students still developing their independent reading stamina.
Reading Level Guide
Too challenging at A1. Try Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Magic Tree House to build fluency first.
Sweet spot. The low Lexile and short chapters make it very accessible for A2 readers, while the emotional depth keeps B1 readers fully engaged.
A quick, enjoyable read at B2. Try Wonder or City Spies for more complexity.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free 30-minute English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.