Because of Mr. Terupt

Why is Alexia mean to her classmates, but not to the students in the Collaborative Classroom? What does this reveal about her character?

Jessica turns to books for comfort, and Danielle prays to God when she needs help. What are some other methods of comfort in this novel? How do different characters cope with fear and grief in different ways?

Why does Luke get so upset when Peter gets a correct answer in class? Is he upset about not winning the homework pass, or is there something else that bothers him about Peter winning the prize?

Which characters blame Mr. Terupt for the accident in the schoolyard? What is the reasoning behind their blame? What role do you think Mr. Terupt plays in his own injury, if any?

Who or what is to blame for the accident leading to Mr. Terupt’s coma? Explain your reasoning.

Give an example of when the narration describes the same scene or interaction from multiple perspectives. What is the impact of a plot point being repeated from different viewpoints?

In what ways do parents and family influence each student’s own values and prejudices? How does Mr. Terupt’s character contribute to the larger theme of adult influence in this novel?

Describe the structure of the novel. How does the narrative style contribute to creating suspense?