Carter Avery's Tricky Fourth-Grade Year

by Rob Buyea

From the author of the beloved MR. TERUPT series comes a story with surprising truths about a student no teacher would wish for, and a teacher no student would want to be stuck with.No teacher has ever liked Carter Avery. So he doesn’t expect that Ms. Olivia Krane will be any different. In fact, he heard the rumor that the new teacher—nicknamed Owl-livia, or the Owl, for short—can twist her head all the way round to catch any kid who’s up to no good. And since Carter has a hard time sitting still and not blurting stuff out, he’s sure he’s in for rough times being sent to the principal’s office. Making things annoying know-it-all Missy Gerber is in his class!But the Owl knows just how to handle Carter’s energy, showing his classmates another side of him. Everything’s looking up until Carter finds out that some people would like to see Ms. Krane replaced. The news spurs him on a secret mission to save his teacher. Then a disruption, heated words with Missy, and trouble outside of school test Carter’s plan, heart, and courage, as he navigates an especially tricky school year.With a stellar cast of characters, young and old, Rob Buyea pens another authentic story of life in and out of middle school, an experience not soon forgotten.

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Audiobook, Childrens, Family, Chapter Books, Humor

352 pages, Library Binding

First published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I especially liked the story about Carter in the fourth grade. Carter has attention deficit disorder and reminds me a lot of my grandson. Carter is known as one of the bad kids in school and his fourth grade teacher is known as one of the mean teachers at the school. Together, they make a great team and Carter does a lot of growing up in the fourth grade. This is a good book for children that they will learn a lot about life, friendships, and family dynamics..

[Elizabeth Barrett Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free ARC from NetGalley.

There are a lot of things about this book which, as a parent, I liked, and some things I questioned. I read this to my 9yo fourth grader who is lower-support AuADHD and it was great to have representation of a kid who very obviously is in need of at least ADHD support. The writing style is first person pov from Carter so we hear all his sometimes immature thoughts, but he is ultimately an amazing friend and student.

We are an extremely privileged family so it was very jarring to read about Carter's previous teachers just giving up on him, and not afraid to tell him. The premise for why his fourth-grade teacher Ms Krane is not well liked seemed very closed minded and dated - like it would be an expected issue in 1950 but seems so out of place in the 21st century. But I have to admit there may be communities today where choosing motherhood in the way she does is very much taboo. There's also an issue with Brynn (Carter's older sister) and her friend Torrie over a boy. Not that they are fighting over him, but that he is not a nice person and puts Torrie in danger. I wasn't sure my 9yo understood what was going on there, and the older characters seemed to want to shield Carter from the full truth, which seemed appropriate, although I was holding my breath during the climax argument hoping it didn't actually go to a dark place.

Anyway, there is a LOT going on in this book - everyone has their own side struggle, it seemed. But there is very much a happy ending because of Carter and what a genuinely good person he is.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved 4th grader Carter Avery and am certain that he would have been a favorite of mine if I was teaching his class. A great teacher really can turn a so-called difficult child into an asset in the classroom if they are willing to search for ways to turn weaknesses into strengths and adapt the learning environment a bit so that all are successful, not just the sit up straight/silent unless spoken to learners. Readers of Carter Avery’s Tricky Fourth-Grade Year should turn that last page with a warm fuzzy feeling in their hearts and a bit of food for thought in regards to judging people by their physical appearance, looking beyond annoying habits of others, and so much more. My rating for this book, based on my satisfied soul when I turned the last page would be 5 ⭐️s, but I am concerned that almost 350 pages is too many for most 3rd and 4th graders and those in grades 5 and 6 might overlook a book that is likely relatable to them because they get hung up on the words “4th grade year” in the title. Those factors make a target age range difficult to set for this one. “Carter Avery” would make a great one school/one book choice or read aloud in grades 3-5 with lots of opportunity for SEL conversations as well as generating ideas about solving relationship issues and then seeing how Carter, Missy, Brynn and Torrie did it.

Text is free of profanity, sexual content and violence. Representation: Physical descriptions beyond the cover showing Carter as Caucasian and a thorough word picture of Ms. Krane’s facial port wine stain are infrequent and cultural references aren’t a plot component so race of characters is left to the readers’ imaginations; Ms. Krane is a single woman who chooses artificial insemination to have a child; adult Mason is blind and has a seeing eye dog who is also a therapy dog at the library and in Carter’s classroom; atypical family configurations present-Carter and sister Brynn’s parents died and they live with a supportive grandmother and classmate Missy lives with her mom after being abandoned by her father. Note: “Artificial insemination” is defined simply and without any sexual references.

Thanks for sharing the print arc with #BookAllies arc-sharing group, Rob Buyea and Random House.

[Rebecca Morrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never thought Buyea could top Mr. Terupt, but I have to say Carter is sweetheart that I hope to get in my classes. I could really relate as a kid growing up with dyslexia and add. I was called lazy and disruptive like Carter. It only takes a teacher with a different outlook to show Carter that he can learn and can be a good friend. This is an absolute must buy in September!! Perfect read aloud for a fourth grade class.

[Kiley Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book holds true to the style, humor, and heart of Rob Buyea’s other classic middle grade novels. There was excellent ADHD rep (not specially named) with the main character and the idea of nontraditional family’s with his teacher having a baby through a donor.

As a teacher it’s also a great reminder that every child is important and deserves the best we can give them.


Thank you to Random House Childrens and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I appreciated what this book was trying to do, I felt like it fell flat. Carter is a 4th grader with, it seems likely, ADHD. He’s easily the most disliked student at his school as his behavior frustrates both teachers and fellow students. However Carter himself seems blissfully indifferent to his status, although he certainly appreciates it when his new teacher proves herself to be very adept at creating learning situations in which he can thrive. However Carter’s teacher is also something of an outsider, disliked because of a facial birthmark and the fact that she has chosen to become a single parent through artificial insemination. As far as ostracizing criteria go, these seem extremely dated and more likely to feature in a book from the 70s or 80s than one published and set in 2024. Many of the adult characters are black and white caricatures, which doesn’t help the sense of the story being dated while Carter himself seems far, far younger than a fourth grader. There’s also a sudden and unexpected side plot about domestic violence/coercion that is randomly resolved with a rifle, then never mentioned again. The plot overall is also oddly paced, stretching from the summer before fourth grade until January, with lots of seemingly random plot points thrown in and then forgotten about.

[Trisha Tate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love all Rob Buyea books!! He writes wonderful stories of students with the struggles and lessons they face in life. They are great stories where you root for all the students to succeed.

[Bonnie Grover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rob Buyea is a former fourth-grade teacher which is why he is so great at writing authentic middle grade stories. I think every teacher has had a student like Carter Avery. He blurts out in class and he is busy. But when he ends up in Mrs. Krane’s class, the teacher that he has heard is super mean, everything changes. Mrs. Krane has a special way of working with kids. She even sticks up for him when Missy Gruber is rude to him. Throughout the story teachers and parents believed in Carter. I loved how the bus driver was one of Carter’s closest friends.
This story is a testament to how important building relationships is for students, especially the hard ones.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 10 year old daughter and I absolutely loved this story! It reminded us of Fish in a Tree.

[Katie Reilley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carter is not looking forward to his 4th grade year for many reasons. For example, he has a hard time sitting still and not blurting out, so he’s sure that his new teacher, Ms. Olivia Krane (Owl-ivia the Owl) is not going to like him. Plus, the most annoying kid ever - Missy Gerber - is also is his class!

But 4th grade is full of surprises as “the Owl” and Carter find a balance as she helps support his energy. Just when things are looking up, Carter discovers a plan that would ruin everything and take away the only teacher who’s ever really worked to support his learning style.

Highly recommended pre-ordering. I loved the short chapters, the incredible cast of characters (kids and grown ups alike), and the themes of friendship, courage, change, and standing up for what you believe in. I can definitely see this as a 4th grade read aloud when it publishes on 9/3/24.

Favorite lines:

Page 23:
“But do you know if teachers need to like kids? Is that a rule?”
“I suppose they don’t have to like all the kids all the time, but they always love them.”

Page 61:
“But here’s the thing. There’s a lot about life that isn’t fair. So you either spend your days being angry and crying about it, or you play the hand you’re dealt the best you can.”

Page 163:
“Just because you have questions doesn’t mean you aren’t thinking, Carter. Quite the opposite. People who failed to ask questions are the ones and not thinking.”

[Donna Metler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a eARC of this book to read and review it. Thank you for the opportunity!

Carter has had a hard time with school. He's impulsive, has no filter, paces, spins, and struggles with writing. When he's assigned to Ms Krane, teacher who has a reputation as "the owl", who sees and knows everything, he anticipates the worst.

But, Ms. Krane shows that she understands Carter, in a way most other adults don't. She gives him opportunities to show his strengths, and opportunities to move. She connects him with adaptive technology that helps him get his ideas on paper. And she provides project based instruction that allows his classmates to see how smart he really is.

However, not everyone likes Ms Krane. She's having a baby via artificial insemination, and some of the parents, and even teachers, have trouble with the idea and start a petition. Carter HAS to show that Ms, Krane is a great teacher...but how?

This is a book that does a great job of showing how a neurodivergent kid feels like on the inside, and how an adult can make all the difference in the world-and so can kids. May every Carter have a Ms, Krane, and may every Ms, Krane have a Carter


This is an excellent book which belongs in libraries and school classrooms. It would be great as a unit study. And I am definitely adding it to the list for my Little Free Library!

[Jen Turieo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley for the E ARC of this wonderful story. Students will love and relate to so many aspects of this story. I hope that this is the first book in a new series as I’d love to see how Avery and Missy navigate fifth grade!

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 4 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Netgalley

Carter Avery is THAT student. The one who rockets around the elementary classroom when the teacher needs everyone to sit down. The kid who has no filter. The smart aleck who takes the teacher's chair when told to take an available seat. All of his teachers agree, and he knows all of the staff in the office because he spends so much time there. He has a very supportive grandmother, who is raising him and his high school aged sister Brynn after the death of their parents, but Carter hasn't gotten the support he has needed. That is, until Olivia Krane shows up at his school. When the third graders meet their new teachers on the last day of school, Carter is worried, because he's heard that Ms. Krane is super mean. But... she isn't. She does tell him to act in different ways, but doesn't mind when he sits in her chair. She even sticks up for him when the snooty Missy Gerber is mean. Carter confides in his bus driver that maybe "the Owl" isn't as mean as everyone has said. After a summer of swimming lessons, baking cookies, going to the library, and visiting a local farm with his grandmother, Carter is ready for the first day of school. It takes a little adjustment, but Ms. Krane is kind and supportive, and also shares with Carter than it would be helpful if he used kind words in her classroom because she is pregnant, and she wants her baby to be surrounded by pleasant things. It helps that she lets Carter move around as long as he isn't bothering others, even if it bothers Missy Gerber from all the way across the room, and she even lets him use a dictation device, called the Dragon, to record his stories, and then revise and edit them on the computer. The device is in the office, which means he sometimes overhears things he shouldn't. For instance, he hears that Ms. Krane's pregnancy is "artificial" and also that she is "liberal". He asks Mr. Wilson about these things, but has to get answers from his grandmother and Brynn. Ms. Krane isn't married, but having a baby, and some members of the community are upset, including Missy Gerber's mother. Fortunately, the school district is supportive of Ms. Krane. As the year progresses, the class has all manner of interesting projects, including a visit to a farm and chicks to hatch. Mason, a blind man whom Carter met at the summer reading program, is invited to the classroom with his dog, so that kids can read to the golden retriever. Carter even invites people in his life whom he enjoys to Thanksgiving, and Mr. Wilson (and his wife), Mason, and Ms. Krane all have an excellent holiday. When Ms. Krane isn't in school after break, Carter is worried, especially since the substitute is a hard line, ex-military guy named Lieutenant Boss. He doesn't understand Carter's ways, but after a while the two reach an agreement.Missy has been pulled out and homeschooled by her mother, which is unfortunate because she and Carter manage to become friends. Ms. Krane even meets with Gram and Carter for breakfast so that she can reassure him that she and her new baby, Oliver, are doing okay, but because Oliver was premature, he needs to stay in the hospital for a while. The substitute changes some of his ways, and the class prepares for Ms. Krane's return. The party is successful, and Carter even makes a medal for Lt. Boss. The best news is that Gram will be caring for baby Oliver, and Ms. Krane will be able to return to the classroom.
Strengths: Buyea's experience in the classroom is always evident in his excellent fiction, and he writes even more successfully from one point of view. (Both the Because of Mr. Terupt and The Perfect Score (2017) series have multiple voices.) Carter's voice is very strong, and his energy comes through on the page. He tries very hard to keep his impulsive behavior in check, but he can't always do it. He's not a bad kid, and the teachers have not understood him well enough to deal with his behavior. I loved all of the caring adults in Carter's world who see the good in him. It's also good to see that Ms. Krane's attention helps change Carter's behavior, but also the way his classmates see him, and having their support further improves his behavior. This is definitely a feel good story, where the world isn't perfect, but people are generally kind, or see the error of their ways if they are not. I'd love to see more characters in middle grade literature like Carter, because there are a ton of them in the real world.
Weaknesses: Pennypacker's Summer of the Gypsy Moths (2012) is a little dark for fourth grade. I've never looked at Febreeze the same way since I read it. I also found it somewhat surprising that anyone in the community cared about the artificial insemination. We have a teacher in my building who has a son who's almost twenty, and her position was never challenged, even though her methods were no secret.
What I really think: This is a "heart print" book, like many of Buyea's titles, that will be very much loved by elementary teachers. There is a sub plot with Brynn's friend who was hanging out with a boy who is no good for her, and that, combined with wrestling, could be Buyea's next book. That one, I would buy; this was just slightly too young for my middle school readers.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Life hasn't been particularly kind to Carter Avery. Not only did his parents die when he was quite young, but his teachers have not liked him at all. (He could tell.) And his impulsiveness and inability to sit still have also annoyed his classmates, resulting in his often sitting alone at lunch. Carter figures that fourth grade will be more of the same or even worse once he learns that he's assigned to Ms. Olivia Krane's class along with his nemesis, Missy Gerber. Although she's fairly new to the school, students have already spread gossip about her. Later, parents will do the same. But there's something amazing that happens between Ms. Krane, who has a large purplish birthmark on her face, and the fidgety boy. With firmness but also understanding and empathy, Carter's new teacher helps him blossom, and teamwork with Missy allows the two students to see other sides of each other. This story is heartfelt, inspiring, and even though some parts are a bit hard to believe, Carter's journey exemplifies the old adage about a self-fulfilling prophecy. The difference in Carter in Ms. Krane's class and in his previous classes is clear. None of this happens overnight, of course, and when he must deal with a substitute teacher, Carter struggles again. But oh, how lovely it is to watch him blossom and see his classmates come to appreciate him. This one is a 3,5 for me, proving once again that this author has an ear for dialogue and knows quite well what goes on classrooms today. It would be a great choice for future teachers or a teachers' book club to give insight into how to handle students like Carter but also to reflect on what sort of teachers they are.

[Hope Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's just hard to be Carter Avery and he is very well aware of this fact. Progressing through elementary school, Carter is also aware that he is the kid no teacher wants on their class lists. He has a long history of not getting a long with his teacher and is horrified to learn Ms. Krane (AKA "The Owl") will be his 4th grade teacher. She has a scary port wine birthmark on her face and all the parents are talking about her behind her back. During 4th grade, Carter learns about the true characteristics of an owl and of Ms. Krane who soon becomes the teacher who reaches Carter where HE is at and addresses his needs.

Rob Buyea is becoming an icon in children's literature. I felt he had a brief hiatus after the classic "Mr. Terupt" series but he has made a strong rebound with "The Daredevils" showing up on state reading award lists and now this title. This one is closer to the "Mr. Terupt" book and reminds me of Andrew Clements' titles that deal with the hard things about being a kid in school. I hope this title gains traction and follows "Daredevils" on state reading award lists, and I hope teachers pick this title up as well. It was very insightful getting a peak inside the brain of a high-energy kid who has faced a lot of trauma and simply doesn't have the ability to be still and quiet. Educators who read this will be able to identify the "Carters" in their own classrooms and hopefully gain empathy and strategies to reach their kiddos like Ms. Krane reached Carter. Solid elementary-age title that should be on library shelves.

[Shanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this one because I loved Rob Buyea’s Mr. Terupt series. It did not disappoint! Mr. Buyea has a talent for writing believable characters and exploring themes of acceptance, family and friendship. All his books encourage kids to see people as “more than what they seem.” “Carter Avery” is no different.

We meet Carter, a third grader who has ADHD, when he’s getting promoted to fourth grade. At his school, each student finds out which class they are in when the teacher from that class calls their name. It so happens that the teacher he’s been most dreading calls his name. Ms. Krane is scary to the kids at Carter’s school. They’ve heard rumors that she’s strict. And Carter can’t handle another very strict teacher like last year. Plus, the dreaded Missy Gerber is in Carter’s class! It’s going to be tough in fourth grade for sure.

But, Ms, Krane surprises Carter more than once before the day’s even over. And he’s left thinking maybe he might be a little wrong about her. It’s just the beginning of their relationship, but you can tell they’re gonna teach each other a lot of things. Buyea weaves themes of family, town politics and friendship into a masterful story about one boy’s “tricky” fourth grade year. Check it out!

Sidenote: this book seems like it’s a love letter to teachers and librarians. The library scenes are awesome and really show what a good library can do for a town. Also, loved the bus driver, Mr. Wilson (“See ya later.” “Thanks for the warning!”).

[Wina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realistic fiction for ages 8-11, this is uplifting, funny, and frank. In first person, this boy uses actual kid language to tell the story. Very sweet, and SO much happens. It's quite long, and I was wondering if kids would be daunted by that. Carter seems like he has ADHD, but there is no mention of it, nor is any medication involved. There are lots of positive messages about him being unique and a great kid, after teachers who always had him sitting in the hall for 2nd and 3rd grade. It seemed a bit old-fashioned, in that there was no "special ed" staff or people specializing in helping him with his challenges. Just lots of fun and heart, without dwelling on the details.

[Judy Rath · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just OK for me. I got bored about halfway through and had to push/skim to the end. Typical fourth grade classroom tale, although the kids felt a little younger. Carter was a likable character and a lot of kids will relate to him as far as blurting out and having trouble sitting still. Loved the adult figures in his life, including his teachers and family members. I could see this being a good classroom read aloud, but I’m not sure it would hold the a kid’s interest to read on their own.

[Lauren Bayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rob Buyea returns to form with another novel about the magic of teachers. Every student at an elementary school knows a Carter, and his narration is incredibly fun and relatable to read. I can see this book making a strong read-aloud, especially with Carter's mispronunciations and loads of questions. Some of the side plots felt a little unnecessary, but Carter is a character who is easy to love.

This is a Reader Selector for the Mark Twain Award in Missouri. I'm a bit undecided of if it should make the list; it was VERY good, but pretty long. I'll think more on it.

[Afoma (Reading Middle Grade) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carter Avery’s Tricky Fourth Grade Year is a heartwarming book about community and the power of a teacher who believes in you. This book is SO SWEET and will make for a terrific class readaloud (although it is on the longer side at just over 300 pages). Hand to kids who love ADHD representation and funny books with plenty of action and heart.

Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/carter...

[LS Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I genuinely enjoyed everything about Carter. I liked that his family, the bus driver, and finally some other students and a teacher learned to accept and appreciate Carter for his whole self. And for as light and humorous that Carter is, the topics addressed are really quite deep for this age group. Things like artificial insemination and how it impacts life choices, handicaps, bullying, etc. I loved this book.

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A great story of finding friendship in unlikely places, not judging a book by its cover, and that intelligence comes in many different packages. I enjoyed Carter's growth and the growth of several other characters throughout the book. The adults around Carter demonstrate deep empathy and acceptance and it's a lovely story.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!

[Elizabeth Dickerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a mom to two boys like Carter Avery, this book made me long for every teacher who understands the kids who are so often misunderstood. Carter’s year is tricky, just as the title says but it’s not the negative, always in trouble fear I had starting out! Ms. Krane is the teacher everyone needs and Carter Avery is the friend everyone needs! Another AMAZING story by Rob Buyea!

[Emerson Barnett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved getting to know Carter Avery! Great representation of students with learning differences and hyperactivity. Mature themes are present and handled gently for a younger audience including domestic violence and becoming a single mother via IUI (and dealing with everyone else's feelings about that).

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, this is a children’s book. But I would like to recommend it for all teachers who have so much on their plates that it’s difficult to think and plan how to help bring out the strength of each child. You have had students like Carter and like Missy and like the others. This book, well fiction, has great differentiated instruction ideas, and let the teachers be the heroes..

[LaVonne Hanlon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kids will love this story about a good-hearted student who struggles with impulsivity and his relationship with an outstanding teacher. Many students (and teachers) will relate characters to those in their own classrooms. Lots of family love, outstanding adult support, and character growth make this a winner!

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished the book. I REALLY liked the characters: Carter, Ms Krane, Gran, and even the Lieutenant. I think the artificial insemination of a single teacher was an unnecessary part of the story and so inappropriate for this age group. Let kids just be kids. Apart from that, I really liked the book - too bad the author had to complicate it with an unneeded plot component.

[Jenna Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a fun book- and hits home as a 4th grade teacher. I did however feel like the 4th graders in this book were way more immature than my 4th graders….they seemed more like 2nd or 3rd graders.

I loved the storyline with a great teacher who makes a positive impact on their students. Ms. Krane reminds me of my two favorite teachers throughout school: Mr. Laubmeier and Mr. Janty.

[Madison LibraryBookFamily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carter Avery had heard scary things about his new teacher. So he is prepared to have a terrible year since most teachers despise him. But Carter soon realizes how important it is to make your own decisions and impressions. A book full of making connections, building community, and challenging the things that are unfair.

[Mary Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m bummed to give this book such a low rating. I enjoyed the book as an adult, but the themes are well above a 4th graders head and because it has 4th grade in the title, older kids probably won’t be drawn to it. Bummer!