Because of Mr. Terupt

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of bullying. In addition, one of the characters uses an ableist slur.

Peter’s voice opens the fourth chapter of the novel, as Mr. Terupt’s class prepares for an upcoming holiday party. Like most of Mr. Terupt’s projects, the holiday assignment is nothing like an ordinary classroom party. The students are planning a multicultural winter holiday party, and Peter suggests inviting the students from the Collaborative Classroom. Everyone agrees, and they get to work on their holiday projects.

Jessica, Alexia, Jeffrey, Anna, and Danielle are grouped together for their holiday project. Alexia begins bullying Danielle about her weight and rudely flicks a card at Jessica, calling her stuck-up and generally trying to cause drama. Mr. Terupt witnesses the exchange and removes Alexia from the room. Before learning what Mr. Terupt says to Alexia, though, readers hear Jessica’s perspective of what takes place when Mr. Terupt returns: He reprimands Jessica, Anna, Danielle, and Jeffrey for not standing up to Alexia themselves.

Luke overhears Mr.