Because of Mr. Terupt has been on my "to read" list for a while, so I was pretty psyched to begin it. I started off listening to it as an audiobook, and I have to admit that I didn't get really excited about it at first. It is the story of a class of fifth graders who have a brand-new, fresh-out-of-college teacher named Mr. Terupt. The fifth grade kids the story focuses on are believable-- they have different personalities, strengths, weaknesses, problems, and family lives-- each one seems like a kid you have probably met before. Mr. Terupt comes across as caring and kind but firm. He gets to know his students and tries to address their interests and strengths as well as their areas for growth. Mr. Terupt tries to make learning fun, and he values hands-on, real-life experiences. It is a mildly interesting and engaging beginning. 
 The ending really MAKES this book. I don't want to give away anything, but I will say that at the end of the book you realize just how big of an impact Mr. Terrupt actually did have on his students, and you wish you could be in his class, too!