Rules

Bibliographic Citation

Lord, C. (2008). Rules. NY: Scholastic Paperbacks.

About the Book

Catherine has many rules for her brother autistic brother David. All her rules are in hope that one day he will be “normal” or just simply learn how to understand the world. Although she loves and cares for her brother, she can help but feel frustrated and embarrassed, while at the same time guilty about not being patient enough with him. Later in the story, an unexpected friend helps Catherine see things differently and learns to appreciate spending time with her brother.

Acceptance, family, and friendship are just a few themes addressed in this heartwarming novel. Readers can easily relate to this novel's significant themes and characters in some way or another either through their own personal experiences or the experiences of others. Furthermore, the complex ideas Lord shares in this novel touch on a sensitive topic with an honest portrayal of what some families may experience when a loved one has special needs in a respectful, non-condescending way.

Connections

Book trailer:

Books with similar themes:

• Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

• The War that Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Other books by author:

• Touch Blue

• Half a Chance

Teaching ideas:

• Use the novel to incorporate essential standards like character analysis, vocabulary and context clues, inference, and compare/contrast.

Requirement the Book Meets

• Required book list