Module 4: Rules, by Cynthia Lord

Summary: The title of this book refers to a list of appropriate social responses collected by the narrator, Catherine for her little brother, David, who is autistic. Catherine spends a lot of time wishing her family was normal, and when a new girl moves in across the street, Catherine becomes even more self-conscious about her brother’s behavior, and about her friendship with a boy she meets at David’s therapy sessions.

Reference: Lord, C. (2006). Rules. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Impressions: Reading Rules was like reading one of Judy Blume’s books for middle school-aged kids, in the way that it deals with Catherine’s fear of not fitting in, and her realization that “normal” isn’t always best, or easily identifiable. I appreciated the nuances of Catherine’s relationships with David and her parents. She loves them, and she’s protective of her little brother, but she also resents them. She craves attention and normalcy. The story was a little slow for me, but I think it will appeal to young fans of realistic fiction (10-12). Some of David’s actions are comical, but not over the top or jokey.

Review: Twelve-year-old Catherine has conflicting feelings about her younger brother, David, who is autistic. While she loves him, she is also embarrassed by his behavior and feels neglected by their parents. In an effort to keep life on an even keel, Catherine creates rules for him ("It's okay to hug Mom but not the clerk at the video store"). Each chapter title is also a rule, and lots more are interspersed throughout the book. When Kristi moves in next door, Catherine hopes that the girl will become a friend, but is anxious about her reaction to David. Then Catherine meets and befriends Jason, a nonverbal paraplegic who uses a book of pictures to communicate, she begins to understand that normal is difficult, and perhaps unnecessary, to define. Rules of behavior are less important than acceptance of others. Catherine is an endearing narrator who tells her story with both humor and heartbreak. Her love for her brother is as real as are her frustrations with him. 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.

Burns, C.T. (2006). Rules [book review]. School Library Journal 52(4), 142.

Suggested Use: I would include this book on a suggested reading list for 10-12 year-olds. I think it's right about at this age that kids start really worrying about fitting in with their peers (at least, it was for me). In any reading list, I'd try to include books with diverse characters and perspectives, and Lord's novel would have dual value in that some kids will receive the benefit of identifying with Catherine's experiences, and others may learn from them.