Rules by Cynthia Lord

Lord, Cynthia.  2006.  Rules.  New York: Scholastic Inc.  ISBN 0439443830

The story revolves around a young girl named Catherine who struggles to cope with an autistic brother named David.  Catherine's dilemma, is to try to get to her brother to act normal, whatever that means.  She sets up, Rules for David, so that he can become independent without having a constant companion to look after him.  Catherine's inner struggles comes from loving her brother, as she tries to protect him, from the outside world.  The author has clearly shown the audience that families may be different but still have the same issues such as babysitting siblings.  She wants David to understand how society makes judgments and not everyone is nice.  She wants a "normal life."  The setting jumps from several places including Catherine's house to occupational therapy where she meets another patient named Jason.  The relationship between Catherine and Jason is a deep friendship, which helps her to understand  her brother's condition. She shows her compassion by helping Jason communicate through cards on his communication board.  She begins to write words and corresponding pictures for comprehension.  People can relate to this situation, as many of us, are visual learners.    Catherine helps Jason break free from his silence, to improve his communication skills and in turn she discovers, she is the one who broke free, from her way of thinking.  The realization of coping with a disabled family member can be difficult for everyone. The style of the story shows various emotions evolving from frustration, happiness, stress, understanding and compassion.   Catherine evolves, as a character, to show inner growth.  The author examines the family dynamics through the eyes of Catherine.  She shows that, disabilities, affect the entire family.  The story is filled with humorous lines, to break the seriousness and challenges, of having a child with autism.   The story is believable and families with autistic children can relate to the story.

Excerpts

From Library Media Connection

"The first-person narrative is very engaging, and readers will identify with Catherine's struggles and cheer for her at the end.  This is a great book to help students gain some understanding about autism, while also providing a good read."

2006. "Rules." Library Media Connection 25(2): 70.

From Publishers Weekly

"In the able hands of the author, mother of an autistic child, Catherine's emotions come across as entirely convincing, especially her alternating devotion to and resentment of David, and her guilt at her impatience with him."

2006. "Rules." Publishers Weekly 253(16): 188.

From School Library Journal

"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."

Burns, Connie Tyrrell. 2006. "Rules." School Library Journal 52(4): 142.

From Booklist

"A heartwarming first novel."

Dobrez, Cindy. 2006. "Rules." Booklist 102(12): 98-99.

Awards

Newberry Honor Medal

Schneider Family Book Award

ALA Notable Children's Book

Mitten Award (Michigan Library Association)

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award (Vermont)

Great Stone Face Award (New Hampshire)

Connections

Other Cynthia Lord books

Half a Chance ISBN 0545035333

Touch Blue ISBN 0545035325

Hot Rod Hamster ISBN 0545035309

Activities for Children

Draw a card for Jason's communication book.

Write a book report on "Frog and Toad are friends"

Ask students to create their own rule book.

 

Personal Response

I believe the story is relatable, as many families know the challenges, of raising an autistic child.  Catherine's viewpoints show how autism effects family members in different ways.  It is not always easy, but the support of a good family, helps.