Rules (2006)

This touching story brings to light some of the everyday frustrations children with autism and their families face in sweet, simple way. Some of Catherine's struggles, such as the desire to be normal, are part of nearly every middle schooler's life. Others, like helping David learn how to treat other people, are specific to her and other families in similar situations. Like Mockingbird, this book's audience is more than just children with disabilities, making this book one of the "good ones" in disability fiction. ( )

It's hard being the bigger sister of a brother who is autistic. With busy parents and few friends, the main character, Catherine, has more responsibilities to take care of him so creates a set of rules that are really very helpful and prevent confusion. "No toys in the fish tank" is one that is rarely followed with comical results. Catherine makes friends with two very different people-- a boy who is unable to communicate without special word cards at Michael's occupational rehab appointments, and a girl next door who is cool and pretty. How she balances her life at the risk of sounding selfish is the story. ( )

Rules by Cynthia Lord is a simple yet heart felt story. At the age of twelve all Catherine wants is to fit in and be considered normal but this is something that isn’t always possible. Her brother, David, is autistic, and with his special needs and, at times. uncontrollable behavior, he stands out and, Catherine feels, shines a spotlight on her as well. She copes by developing rules for him. Her rules are made to fit every situation, from the simple, No Toys in the Fish Tank and Chew With Your Mouth Closed to the more complicated, Sometimes People Laugh Cause They Like You, But Sometimes They Laugh To Hurt You. Although David can drive her crazy, she loves and cares for him and doesn’t want him exposed to ridicule and teasing.

With warmth, love and humor, Rules shows how living with a child that sees life differently from everybody else can be both very rewarding and very frustrating. Catherine is on the brink of learning that she can’t control every situation or person, and at times, it is best to just let things happen without having any rules to get in the way.

Although somewhat contrived, I found Rules to be a touching look at a young girl’s conflicted feelings of living with her autistic brother. The author paints a realistic picture that allows there are no simple answers in life while asking the question "What is normal anyway?". ( )

Summary:
This story is about a girl named, Catherine, and her brother named, David. Catherine spend much of her time with her brother trying to teach him how to be normal because he is autistic. She is his babysitter much of the time. She must make a decision when her new friend, who doesn’t know about his condition, wants him to attend a dance with them. Catherine learn what is best and how special her brother is.

Personal:
This is my passion. I love to sit and talk to kids who are special in their own way. I am new at this but I am starting to find out they are amazing. My son was just diagnosed with autism, so this book is very personal to me. I have found out in my own way that these kids are very special and very smart. They just need a little help. I get frustrated with my son and this has actually helped me see in his views. He is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I would not care what other people think. I believe this book helps children realize it just takes time and they are people too. Just treat them with respect and help them.

Classroom:
1. We could have activities showing the classmates to help each other.
2. Separate the kids into groups and have discussions over the meaning of this story.

Catherine has to make sacrifices everyday for her autistic brother David, even when she really doesn't want to. Her parents seem to always put David's needs before hers, and David always seems to ruin anything good that ever happens to her. However, throughout the summer and with the help of a handicapped boy named Jason, Catherine learns that her life isn't so bad afterall. Catherine learns the importance of loving who you are, and not worrying so much about what other people think. ( )