Rules

Lord, Cynthia. 2006. Rules. New York: Scholastic Press. pp 200. ISBN:0-439-44382--2

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7-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.-Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

 This book has a solid message of treating people right. It's simple but it goes about it very uniquely by following the sibling of a challenged child rather than the child itself. It's a perspective more kids can understand or at least put themselves in that situation. I would use this a classroom reading for all. It is an easy read and tugs at the emotions. I'm not even sure having a project with this is necessary. A few strong questions from the teacher will spark good conversation in the classroom. It could be a cool way to create a bond in the classroom, which is a great way to create trust.