Rules

Lord, C. (2008).  Rules. New York: Scholastic.

Twelve-year-old Catherine has a younger brother, David, with autism and this novel demonstrates the ups and downs of living with someone with special needs and how it affects everyone in the family. She is continually updating a list of rules to help David navigate life a little better. Catherine has to deal with her own feelings about her brother which range from embarrassment to anger to love. When she meets Jason, a quadriplegic boy her own age, a friendship begins as she starts illustrating pictures for his communication book, but she is equally unsure on how to tread in this new type of friendship especially when he asks her to a community dance.

This realist fictional novel discusses so many of the feelings experienced by a twelve-year-old making new friends and growing up. Added to all of that emotion is her brother who has autism and a new friend (who is a boy) who can’t walk or talk. This novel would be a great starting place for discussion on differences and to exploring other people’s point of view. Written in Catherine’s voice, it is a very touching and emotional story. An inspiring read for students fourth grade and older.

2007 Newberry Honor Book