School of Education master’s graduate Rob Buyea to speak on debut novel

Rob Buyea ’99, G’00, a graduate of Syracuse University’s Masters in Childhood Education Program, has written his first novel for young people, “Because of Mr. Terupt.” Based on his experiences teaching elementary school for six years, the story is told in the voices of seven children. The author John Irving says, “Even the accident toward which this novel is inevitably headed is no accident; it is as masterfully set up and skillfully concealed as the rest of this riveting story.” Available mid-October, the book is published by Random House, Inc.

The Association of Booksellers for Children (ABC) has named “Because of Mr. Terupt” to its 2010 New Voices Picks List. ABC organized a committee of 10 independent booksellers from throughout the country who read, reviewed and rated children’s books from debut authors. The committee’s final list, consisting of 20 titles, represents the best of debut children’s literature published in 2010.

Buyea will be speaking in Dr. Pat Tinto’s class on Monday, October 18 from 5:15-7:15 p.m., 107 Huntington Hall. An RSVP is suggested, because of classroom size. Please contact Dr. Tinto at pptinto@syr.edu. The Master of Science in Childhood Education is a one-year program for non-education undergraduate majors.

In addition to his book and experiences as a teacher, Buyea will address becoming a new author. His website can be found at robbuyea.com.