Rules by Cynthia Lord
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Book Reviews of Rules
Book Review: Rules...Understand People Who Are Different
Summary: 5 Stars
The night I started reading Rules, by Cynthia Lord, couldn't put it down until I had read the last page. Rules is a kid's book that won the Newberry Honor in 2007. The book is written from the perspective of a 12 year old girl who has a brother four years younger than her who has autism. The title comes from a theme that is weaved throughout the book, that the main character, Catherine, makes up rules for her little brother to help him understand the world. It is a touching account of this very likable character's attempt to balance her loyalty to her family and fierce protection of her brother, with what she wants for herself.
It is wonderfully written, and like I wrote, I couldn't put it down. It is true that the subject matter is deeply personal to me, as I have a daughter with autism, so you may only cry a few times while you read it while I only stopped crying a few times. It is moving more than sad, so don't let the crying scare you off! I think this would be a great read for school-aged kids, probably from 4th on up (5th or 6th on up if reading independently). Even though it is written for kids, I would highly recommend it for anyone. It gives invaluable insight into the lives of families with children who have disabilities that would be hard to find anywhere except for personal experience. Hearing the story from the perspective of the sister/daughter makes it even more interesting. Anyway, it is well worth the time, just have a box of tissues handy!
Book Review: Rules warmed my heart and simply made me tear up at even the most common things
Summary: 5 Stars
I was shocked to see that anyone didn't like this book, to each his/her own.
I think this book does a remarkable job at putting those akward feelings about a "different" person in your life into words.
Catherine's brother is autistic and she loves him, feels bad when people stare at him, feels guilty when she yells at him and wishes that he could just argue back like a "normal" brother. There are a lot of kids out there who feel this way about a disabled family member and I think this helps sort out those feelings.
In this book Catherine helps David to fit in or be comfortable by giving him rules. Rules help David. Jason believes that Catherine's rules are her scapegoat for acceptance.
I also think this book is terrific for the parents, it exposes the guilt, concern and pressure that a parent of a child with special needs might be feeling.
I cried about Catherine's honesty, I was simply touched. Even Catherine's friendship to Jason is so very real to me. As for classrooms, I think that this is a great book for discussion. Differences - WE GOTTA HAVE 'EM. I read this book for a book club for 9-11 year old girls and their mothers.
Book Review: Excellent!
Summary: 5 Stars
"No toys in the fish tank."
"Chew with your mouth closed."
"Not everything worth keeping has to be useful."
"Sometimes people laugh when they like you. But sometimes they laugh to hurt you."
These are just some of the rules Catherine has created for the day her brother is miraculously cured from autism. Catherine lives her life taking care of her younger brother and trying to keep him from embarrassing her. When she becomes friends with Jason, a boy that can't talk and must use a wheelchair, she gains a new perspective on life and on her brother.
I LOVED this book! I felt for Catherine, for David, and for Jason. I could see all perspectives. That is why the book is so amazing. Catherine has normal feelings, even if she knows they are wrong on some level. The book shows that even if someone is different, they still have normal, everyday feelings, just like the rest of us. They shouldn't be treated differently. I like the realization that Catherine makes at the end of the book about David and about Jason. And about herself and who she wants to be.
You must read this book!!!
Book Review: Wonderfully moving
Summary: 5 Stars
Cynthia Lord's 'Rules' is a wonderful book about 12-year old Catherine who has an 8-year old brother - David - with autism. As a father of an 8-year old with autism, I felt Ms. Lord did an amazingly accurate job of portraying this. So many of David's characteristics have appeared in my own son. Aside from that, the story between Catherine and her new-found friend Jason is incredibly heartwarming; Catherine is a well-drawn character, and she seems very real. In short, I loved this book; it's one I'm going to recommend to my family and friends.
Joel Arnold
Author of Bedtime Stories for the Apocalypse
Book Review: Great for school aged kids and parents alike.
Summary: 5 Stars
I got this book for my 11 year old son and he didn't want it so I read it with my 8 year old daughter. We loved it! She asked if the author has written more and now her whole class wants to read it. It's about a 12 year old girl who has an 8 year old brother with autism. Her best friend is gone for the summer so she's hoping to become best buds with the new girl next door. She develops and unlikely friendship with a 16 year old boy in a wheelchair who cannot speak, but uses a picture cards to communicate. The girl is struggling with being accepted by the new neighbor and being a true friend. It has great lessons for all of us and is a lot of fun to read. I think my son might actually read it now.