Rules

Bibliography
Lord, Cynthia. 2006. Rules. Scholastic, Inc. ISBN: 9780545036406

Plot Summary
Twelve year old Catherine just longs for a normal life but that doesn’t seem to happen as her brother has autism and her whole family’s life revolves around it. Catherine constantly has to make adjustments for her brother, feels neglected by her parents, and is sometimes embarrassed by her brother’s behaviour when she is around her friends. Catherine tries to find the friend she has always wanted in Kristi, the next door neighbour. She also makes friend with Jason who can only communicate using picture cards. Catherine’s experiences with both her friends make her rethink what is normal and what is more important to her.

Critical Analysis
A very touching story that will make readers analyze relationships. Catherine’s problems seems very real because she is torn between the love for her brother and his unending needs. Readers can emphatize with Catherine character who as a big sister always has to make adjustments for her autistic brother. Parents are also so engrossed in meeting the special needs of their son that they tend to forget the normal needs of their daughter. Everybody’s perspective seems to be valid and justified. Catherine’s relationship with Jason gives her a new paerspective about relationships. The theme of need for acceptance, feeling different, and growing up through experiences has been sensitively handled in this story. The story is a balanced blend of humor and emotions making it is good read for older readers. Readers will get an insight into life someone who does not suffer from a disability themself but still have to deal with the problems surrounding it everyday. Lot of attention is usually given to people suffering from disability but this story is written from the perspective of somebody who has a family member suffering from disability.

Review Excerpts
School Library Journal – A lovely, warm read and a great discussion starter (http://www.amazon.com/).
Booklist – A heart warming first novel (http://www.amazon.com/).