Rules by Cynthia Lord

 Rules review by Sarah Bartholomew 

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lord, Cynthia. Rules. New York, NY: Scholastic Paperbacks, 2005.

ISBN 9780439443838

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Catherine’s younger brother, David, has autism, and Catherine takes it upon herself to create a list of rules to help her brother better understand what is and is not “socially acceptable” behavior. She is trying to balance helping her brother, fostering a friendship with a boy who is non-verbal, and just trying to fit in with other kids her age. 

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Cynthia Lord’s debut novel, Rules, allows the reader to see how 12-year-old Catherine is affected emotionally, socially, and physically by her younger brother’s autism. She takes on more responsibility than most girls her age in her attempt to help both her and her brother David fit into “normal” social standards. David attends weekly therapy sessions where Catherine meets Jason, a non-verbal boy. She uses her art skills to make picture cards that he uses to communicate with others. Catherine and Jason form a friendship, but Catherine is embarrassed for her other friends to meet Jason since he is different from them. Lord addresses the emotional struggle a lot of kids face who have siblings with special needs. Rules is an honest portrayal of how their siblings may influence their day-to-day life. This book features great diversity that is not seen in most mainstream literature. There is wonderful character development of Catherine. As she seeks out acceptance from others, she learns how to be more accepting of herself and others. 

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2006 NEWBERY HONOR

2007 SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD

2009 DOROTHY CANFIELD FISHER CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD

From Kirkus Review: “Catherine is an appealing and believable character, acutely self-conscious and torn between her love for her brother and her resentment of his special needs. Middle-grade readers will recognize her longing for acceptance and be intrigued by this exploration of dealing with differences.”

From Publishers Weekly: "A rewarding that may well inspire readers to think about others' points of view.”

From School Library Journal: “Catherine is an endearing narrator who tells her story with both humor and heartbreak... A lovely, warm read, and a great discussion starter.”

5. CONNECTIONS

Gather other works by Cynthia Lord

Because of the Rabbit ISBN 9780545914260

Touch Blue ISBN 9780545035323

            Half a Chance ISBN ‎9780545035347

Gather other works featuring characters disabilities 

Draper, Sharon M. Out of My Mind. ISBN 9781416971719

Hunt, Lynda Mullaly. Fish in a Tree. ISBN 9780142426425