Because of Mr. Terupt (16 page)

I’ve read a lot of books, but I think ours is a great story, and I know Mr. Terupt would agree. It’s a happy ending.

I
remember thinking, sixth grade. We’re going to be sixth graders. And Mr. Terupt is going to be my teacher. Our teacher. I thought of Mrs. Williams’s word,
magic
. I looked at Mr. Terupt sitting with some of my classmates. And I thought, she’s right, there will be magic.

He’s my teacher. The Dollar-Word Man.

Terupt
(dollar word)

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the following people:

To an inspiring and fun group of women: Meg, Thea, Martha, Betsy, Debbie, and Leigh Ann, who first listened to the voices in
Because of Mr. Terupt
and who gave me the courage to keep going.

To John Irving, truly one of the most generous people I’ve ever met. Your encouragement and wisdom have given me something I can never repay. I am forever grateful.

To Paul Fedorko for stepping in and helping my novel find a home.

To my editor, Françoise Bui, for her patience and persistence, listening, and careful work with the manuscript.

And lastly, to my wife, Beth, who encouraged and supported my pursuit of my new writing passion several years ago. Behind this good man, there is a one-of-a-kind woman.

ROB BUYEA
taught third and fourth graders in Bethany, Connecticut, for six years before moving to Massachusetts, where he now lives with his wife and three daughters. He teaches biology and coaches wrestling at Northfield Mount Hermon School.
Because of Mr. Terupt
is his first novel.