On Finding the Right Books: A Guest Post From Because of Mr. Terupt Author Rob Buyea

This might surprise you, but the truth is I didn’t like reading when I was a kid. I remember those summers when I was assigned certain books to read, and I dreaded them. I always did the assignments, and they were never as bad as I expected, but they also never turned me into a voracious reader. Why? I hadn’t found the right book yet.

My Side of the Mountain, by Jean Craighead George
I grew up surrounded by woods. I spent hours exploring and building various forts. I often fantasized about being able to pull off what Sam Gribley does in this book—that is, survive on my own in the wilderness. I attempted several overnight excursions and failed every time. Sam not only succeeds, but he also accomplishes amazing things in doing so. Sam Gribley was the first character I connected with in a meaningful way, which made this book special and exciting for me. If you like the outdoors, then this story is for you.

Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls
This is the first book that grabbed my heart—and it still hasn’t let go. It’s a classic, and one of my all-time favorites. The story of a young boy, his determination, and his loyalty to and fierce love for his two dogs.

Bud, Not Buddy, by Christopher Paul Curtis
I first read this book after one of my former fourth graders told me it was his all-time favorite. I loved it so much it instantly became one of my classroom read-alouds. I even reference this book in Saving Mr. Terupt. (Note: Any book I mention in my series is a book I’ve read and loved and recommend.) Get ready to laugh and think as you cheer for Bud on his journey. (This also happens to be an outstanding audiobook. I love listening to audiobooks. I mention them in my new book, The Perfect Score, coming in October. More on that later.)

All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook, by Leslie Connor
I love this book. You can’t help but root for Perry. This is a story of family, hope, struggle, discovery, and so much heart. If you like the complicated backstories surrounding some of the characters in my series, you need to meet Perry T. Cook.

The Nest, by Kenneth Oppel
The conflict a young boy, Steve, faces in this story is gripping. This is a quick read packed with suspense. Read it and ask yourself what you’d do. If you like creepy stories, here you go. It was freaking me out by the end.

Out of My Mind, by Sharon M. Draper
A heart-wrenching and heartwarming school story. Melody is a character you’ll want to hug. In all my school visits (and I do a lot of them), I’ve never had a kid tell me they didn’t love this book.

Shiloh, by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
If you like dogs, this one is for you. Marty finds an abused beagle and tries to save him, but things get complicated and Marty must make tough decisions between right and wrong by the end. (Shiloh is also mentioned in my new book, The Perfect Score.)

Ungifted, by Gordon Korman
This school story told from multiple perspectives will make you laugh and root for the underdog. A fun cast of characters and a great plot. I first read this after having a group of fifth graders highly recommend it to me during one of my school visits. (Note: This is also a great audiobook.) 

The Perfect Score, by me (coming in October)
The Perfect Score is a sixth-grade school story featuring a new cast of characters (a mix of boys and girls) who take turns telling you about their year. The kids find themselves in the same after-school program for different reasons. They’re not necessarily excited about the program—or each other. But through their work in the program, and events in and out of school, they find themselves in a tricky situation where they wrestle questions of right and wrong. They’re not sure what to do, but decisions will be made and things will change for them and for the people around them. The question is: Will it be for the better? Sometimes we do the wrong things for the right reasons.