Because of Mr. Terupt
by Rob Buyea
2011
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- empathy
- bullying and kindness
- forgiveness
- personal growth
- community
- choices and consequences
- resilience
About this book
Seven very different fifth graders start the year with a new teacher who knows just how to challenge them, bring them together, and make learning exciting. Told in rotating voices, the story shows how a caring adult and a strong classroom community can help kids face bullying, family struggles, and personal mistakes. It’s an engaging, relatable read for upper-elementary and middle-grade students, especially those who like realistic school stories. Kids enjoy the short, fast chapters, distinct personalities, and the way humor and heart mix throughout.
Setting: Snow Hill School, a contemporary fifth-grade classroom in suburban Connecticut
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Because of Mr. Terupt right for my child?
Yes — Because of Mr. Terupt is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.1, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, empathy, bullying and kindness.
How long does it take to read Because of Mr. Terupt?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, Because of Mr. Terupt takes around 5.9h to finish. The book has 53,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Because of Mr. Terupt have an AR quiz?
Yes — Because of Mr. Terupt has an AR quiz available, worth 5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Because of Mr. Terupt?
Because of Mr. Terupt has an AR reading level of 4.1, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.