RULES by Cynthia Lord

Review by Christi De Leon

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lord, Cynthia. Rules. New York: Scholastic, 2006. 0439443822

PLOT SUMMARY

A twelve-year-old girl named Catherine becomes frustrated with life. She has a brother named David with autism, and her family’s attention is focused on his disability. Catherine struggles to try to teach him the rules because she wants life to be as normal as possible. Catherine ends up becoming friends with a paraplegic boy named Jason and a neighbor named Kristi. These friendships and her own behavior make matters more complicated for Catherine, causing her to contemplate normality altogether.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Catherine, the female protagonist, tells this heartfelt story from her point of view as she tries to find balance in her life. Catherine displays her compassionate side as she is often the first one to stand up for David and spends much of her time making cards for Jason, who communicates using a book of words. Dialog is important in conveying the characters’ conversations realistically, such as Catherine trying to teach David the rules, talking with Jason using his cards, reasoning with her parents, and attempting to please Kristi. The plausible events that take place will engage readers as Catherine seems to be in constant switching mode between her time spent at home with David, her visits at the clinic with Jason, and her experiences getting acquainted with Kristi. Each place is described in detail, complete with the sights and sounds of a coastal atmosphere in the summertime.

Many themes are evident within this realistic fiction novel, such as friendship, honesty, self-identity, and acceptance. All of these exemplify milestones of growing up, in which readers can relate to as they begin to discover who they are. Catherine is an inspirational character, not only for those who have a sibling with autism, but anyone in the midst of adolescence. Despite the rules she gives David, Catherine realizes her own imperfections and begins to understand how to express herself. A key moment occurs when Catherine and Jason dance in the middle of the dance floor. This happens to be against one of her rules, “No dancing unless I’m alone in my room or it’s pitch-black dark.” The author’s writing naturally blends narration with dialog, successfully giving the reader insight into many of the characters’ personalities. The novel is organized by chapters, each creatively titled with one of the rules applicable to the story. Overall, this book is uniquely wonderful and enriching.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2007 Newbery Honor Book

2007 Schneider Family Book Award

From Booklist: “A heartwarming first novel.”

From School Library Journal: “Catherine is an endearing narrator who tells her story with both humor and heartbreak… this sensitive story is about being different, feeling different, and finding acceptance. A lovely, warm read, and a great discussion starter.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather other Newbery winning books to read such as:

Applegate, Katherine. The One and Only Ivan. ISBN 0061992275

Black, Holly. Doll Bones. ISBN 1416963995

Gather other Cynthia Lord books to read such as:

Touch Blue. ISBN 0545035325

A Handful of Stars. ISBN 0545700272

Possible Activities:

As a journal writing activity, students can compose their own list of rules applicable to their life.

Read David’s favorite book Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel and discuss possible connections between the two stories.