Saving Mr. Terupt is the third book in the Mr. Terupt series, and although it is the only one I've read, I didn't have any issues following the story. The author refers to incidents from the previous books throughout this one, but it was just enough to pique my interest and make me want to learn more, but not interfere with this story. In this book, the seven main characters are now in grade seven, their first year in Junior High. They are missing Mr. Terupt, their favourite teacher and the one that brought them all together as friends. All the kids have their own issues to deal with such as joining the wrestling team, a school bully, developing breasts, family issues and becoming the representative for grade 7 on the school parliament. When a fight causes issues in their friendship, it is the possibility of Mr. Terupt becoming redundant with budget cuts that brings them together to try and save the job of the best teacher they have ever had.

Saving Mr. Terupt is a realistic story, with regular kids dealing with relatable problems. Having been an educator, I know that there are teachers who are able to reach students in ways that others do not. There are the favourites that parents request for their children and sometimes relationships build that are lifelong. Mr. Terupt is that teacher. He uses those moments to teach spontaneously and developed hands on activities to bring learning to life. He even had students stay after school when they wanted to work on special projects. I really liked how this group of kids meshed, even though they were all very different. Of course with a group that large, there are bound to be issues, and when they do fall apart, they still want to be friends. With their issues in their home lives also sharing in the plot, this is a relatable story for kids of that age. I think this is a great series for MG to early YA students and would be a great addition to a school and public library. There is a Christian element in the story, as one character talks about her religion and beliefs as well as attending church and praying. Now I have to read the first two to get the whole story of this group of students and Mr. Terupt.

Rob Buyea is able to create a story with multiple viewpoints that doesn't only work, but rings true for each character giving them depth and their own unique problems, family life and dynamics in school. The third in a the Mr. Terupt trilogy (?) and as the kids are soon on the brink of breaking up the group, they realize their old teacher has an even bigger problem and they must rally around him to help.