Rules



BIBLIOGRAPHY: Lord, Cynthia. 2006. Rules. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN: 0-439-44382-2.

PLOT SUMMARY: Twelve-year-old Catherine has a lot to deal with. She is dealing with common adolescent issues like friends and boys but, she is also dealing with having a sibling who is autistic and parents whose expectations of her are high. Catherine watches patiently over her brother but feels frustrated and embarrassed by his disability. She makes “rules” for him to follow to help him be more “normal”. She learns to better understand the feelings of her disabled friend Jason but not without learning what true friendship means.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS: Rules is a wonderful realistic fiction book not only because of its character but also the plot.  The characters in Rules are ones that every young child can relate to or learn from even though not all readers can relate to having a sibling with Autism. This book is special because there are not many books that address autism. Many young readers can connect to being embarrassed by family, whether it being siblings or parents.  Readers can also relate to the pressure of wanting to have cool friends, worrying about acceptances from peers and missing friends. The plot is very relatable because it deals with friendship. Catherine’s friendship is tested when she is asked to the dance by her two best friends and what they will do when they finally get the chance to meet. The theme of this book is primarily about compassion and understanding toward people with disabilities. This book would be appropriate for grades third and up.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S):  

·         Newbery Honor (2007)

·         Schneider Family Book Award for Middle School Book (2007)

·         Rebecca Caudill Young Reader's Book Award Nominee (2009)

·         Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award (2008)

“Lord has candidly captured the delicate dynamics in a family that revolves around a child's disability. Set in coastal Maine, this sensitive story is about being different, feeling different, and finding acceptance. A lovely, warm read, and a great discussion starter” -SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL

CONNECTIONS

Different Like Me by Jennifer Elder, Illustrated by Marc Thomas and Jennifer Elder (978-1843108153)

My thirteenth winter: A memoir by Samantha Abeel (978-0439339056)

Embracing the sky: Poems beyond disability by Craig Romkema ( 978-1843107286)

·         A lesson to teach kids empathy, understanding, and acceptance.

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