Rules

Written by Cynthia Lord

Narrated by Jessica Almasy

Catherine, a 12-year-old girl with big responsibilities, loves her autistic younger brother David. But she often feels that her parents, so focused on special care for him, forget that she exists, too.

Like most eight-year-old boys, David is a handful. He just doesn’t know when enough is enough, and in all the commotion Catherine feels ignored. She can’t help but get embarrassed by some of David’s behavior—like when he throws toys in the fish tank—so she
decides to start writing down rules she thinks will help him become more normal.

Yet after she befriends Jason, a boy her own age who is mute and wheelchairbound, she reconsiders what it means to be normal.

Rules, Cynthia Lord’s Newbery and ALA Award–winning debut novel, is a tender look at the frustration, struggle, devotion, and hope experienced by families with autistic children.

“... this sensitive story is about being different, feeling different, and finding acceptance.”—School Library Journal

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jul 24, 2007
• ISBN: 9781440781391

Cynthia Lord

Cynthia Lord is the Newbery Honor author of Rules and other middle-grade novels. Her first picture book, Hot Rod Hamster, inspired a bestselling series about a speed-loving hamster that also includes early reader books. Her chapter-book series, Shelter Pet Squad, appeared on the American Booksellers Association’s ABC Best Books for Children list. Cindy lives in Maine with her husband, John Bald, their children, and a collection of beloved animals, including three rabbits (so far!).

Reviews for Rules

[katieloucks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great book about dealing with disabilities

[Lovelyn 2001 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

The voice why the voice. I love the book but this is really dehumanizing and disrespectful

[jennybeast · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

On the one hand: it's a quick read, I found it engaging, and I identified with Catherine's painful embarrassment at being different from what she thinks of as normal -- I think the representation of a 12 YO girl is accurate. On the other hand: I read the reviews from people with autism and how this book makes them feel and I have to agree. There is no sympathy for David. There is very little celebration of his good qualities or of his talents -- just sibling resentment. While I liked that Catherine gets called out for being a jerk to her friend with cerebral palsy, her behavior was a bummer. I think it's a great book if you are sibling who feels overlooked and needs to let off a little steam. As a portrayal of autism or cerebral palsy, it's not a good representation.

[brennarich · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is about a 12-year-old girl, Catherine, who cares for and helps her younger brother, David, who has autism. Throughout this book, we learn and see how Catherine balances helping her brother and making friends. She is a very friendly girl and really wants to befriend the new girl in her neighborhood, Kristy. Catherine meets a boy around her age, Jason, who is in a wheelchair and deaf and using word cards to communicate. She quickly becomes friends with Jason and he invites her to a party the same night that Kristy invites her to the dance. When Jason figures out about the dance, he notices that Catherine seems embarrassed by him. Catherine then invites Jason to the dance and at the dance Kristy is mean to Jason but Catherine still dances with him.

[aks067 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is about young girl named Catherine who struggles with having a brother with autism and wanting to teach him basic rules, such as no toys in the fish tank, that many people would already know. She also struggle with making friends and feeling accepted by mainly her dad. I gave this book a 4 because many junior high students are going to have trouble with parents, so they are not alone. This is where teachers can come in and let the students know that they are here for them.

[jstein31 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love this book for many reasons. One feature of this book that I really like is how it pushes readers to think about tough issues and opens people’s minds regarding people with special needs, particularly autism in this book. For example, the book describes that David, as a boy with autism, “hear[s] everything extra loud” (p. 29) and “needs to be taught everything” (p. 11). These simple phrases open up the reader’s mind more, getting a glimpse of what it is like to be in David’s shoes. Also, the seemingly common-sense rules that Catherine makes for her brother shows the extra work she and her brother have to put into their daily lives. Another feature of this book that I like is the likeability of the main characters in the book. The author developed her characters very well, and it shows in the book. For example, Catherine, the narrator, is shown to be relatable in her thoughts such as worrying about what David will do around others or that people will give them looks. So many family members of people with autism, like Catherine, go through natural hardships and embarrassment in their everyday lives. The author also portrayed David to be a believable character with autism by showing his daily struggles with socializing and seemingly common-sense rules such as having to greet someone back after he/ she has greeted him. Creating likeable and relatable characters such as Catherine and David pulls readers in and allows them to live in the shoes of these characters. The main message of this book is to show that even though there are daily hardships and struggles for the person with special needs and his/ her family, being different ultimately should not only should be accepted, but it should be celebrated.

[sweetiegherkin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Twelve-year-old Catherine has a long list of rules to try and help her brother David navigate the world. However, David, who is on the autism spectrum, does not always understand or want to follow Catherine's rules. When a new girl Catherine's age moves in next door to them, Catherine is so concerned about fitting in and worrying that David will accidentally sabotage the friendship before it even gets off the ground. However, Catherine is seemingly unaware that she is already developing a new friendship with a boy at the clinic David visits for OT.This book was not quite what I was expecting; going in to it, I thought it would be more about having a sibling with an autistic diagnosis. While that was obviously part of it, this is really Catherine's story much more than David's. In many ways, this was your typical 'problem' novel for a middle-school protagonist, dealing with issues like finding true friends, developing crushes, dealing with bullies, etc. Some might object to autism being sidelined here (although I would point those readers to other books that feature protagonists with autism); however, I do think it's important to see a family perspective as well. Being more than 10 years old, there were parts of this book that already felt dated, such as numerous references to cassette tapes. But on the whole, it's held up fairly well.For the audiobook reader, Jessica Almasy was a proficient narrator who brought empathy and life to the story.

[robinsonstef · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Keep your clothes on even if they get wet. No toys in the fish tank. Catherine’s life involves lots of rules, which she's created in order to help her brother, David, navigate through life. David is autistic, and the rules help him know what to do in certain situations. Not everyone understands David, and sometimes Catherine wishes he would be like any other brother. But, he's not. David needs to go to the video store at the precise time you've told him, not one minute later or he'll start screaming and crying. Catherine loves her brother, but she spends a lot of time watching him, and it isn’t always easy. She used to look forward to visiting David’s OT’s office (occupational therapist), because her and her mom would spend time together at the beach, but now his therapist needs her mom to be close by. While at OT Catherine meets Jason, a boy in a wheelchair who uses a communication book to let others know what he's thinking. She asks if she can make some words for his book. Most of Jason’s words are black words on white cards, but since Catherine is an artist she makes words with pictures. She spends a lot of time thinking of words that she would want, like “stinks a big one” or “whatever”. Catherine starts to look forward to seeing Jason at OT and, even though he can’t talk, they have a lot of fun together. During the same summer a new girl moves in next door, and she's twelve just like Catherine. Having a best friend next door has been a dream of Catherine’s for forever. Will the new girl become her best friend? Will Jason and Catherine ever see each other outside of OT? Will David ever learn the rules? Will Catherine get the attention from her parents that she wants? Get out and read this book so you can find out the lesson that Catherine needs to learn!

I read Rules by Cynthia Lord and was immediately captivated by the voice of Catherine. She has a lot on her plate being in charge of her brother, and I think the rules she made for him make sense. Catherine is someone I would want to be friends with because we have a lot in common. I would love to live next door to someone who wants to use flashlights to send secret codes at night, and swimming is one of my favorite summer activities. It was helpful to see what life was like for Catherine and the challenges she faces on a daily basis. This story will open your eyes to what it's like to walk in someone else’s shoes. I recommend this book to kids in fourth grade and up. Boys and girls will enjoy it, and they will see the world through kinder eyes once they start reading. The rules made me laugh, and I often found myself nodding along with them. I like that Catherine is a thinker and that she really stops and notices the world around her. I had so many lines that I loved because they were such beautiful thoughts. I look forward to reading more books by this author.

[fingerpost_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

12-year-old Catherine's brother David is autistic. Catherine loves her brother, but she is also embarrassed by him, and wearies of having to help take care of him. During the summer, two new people her age enter her life. One is a boy at the occupational therapy center where David goes for Treatments. Jason is in a wheelchair and can't talk. He communicates by pointing to word-cards in a book. Catherine befriends him, but she sees it as a friendship just for the visits when David goes to OT. Kristi is a new girl who has moved in next door. She's the popular type, and Catherine desperately wants to be her friend.As she navigates these two developing friendships, she learns a great deal about right and wrong, "normal" and different, and what friendship really means.

[rvalencia-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book opened my eyes to people with autism like David. I had never really imagined what families go through when someone in their family has it. I kind of empathize with both characters. Catherine, the sister of David, can be a bit selfish. I also feel bad she doesn't get enough attention or the recognition she sometimes deserves. Although she should realize she can't change David's ways, I don't blame her for trying to help him function in society. It's crazy how she felt the need to go the extra mile to help him be more normal because there's still so little acceptance and such a stigma around people who have autism. I was glad to find out she decided to break so of her own rules. This showed great character development.

[edensteffey · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I liked it.

[emma_manolis · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a great little book! I think this is must read for everybody! It reminds you that everybody is fundamentally alike and should be treated the same way you would want to be treated with compassion and respect. It also gives insight to the point of view of someone who has to deal with a brother who is autistic. I had never really thought about it before and this book was really eye opening to me. Fantastic.

[meganschneider · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Rules is a very honest and sincere book about a young girl named Catherine who is coming to terms with a reality that she can not change. Through the book she struggles with her brother, a young boy named David, who has autism and a new friend, Jason who is wheelchair bound, and the way she perceives how the world views them. Catherine feels lost in the world and constantly feels like all attention is on David. She longs for a friendship that can take her away from these struggles. She gets a new neighbor named Kristi, and although at first they hit it off, by the end Catherine sees a slightly different side of her. Catherine's voice throughout the book gives a very real idea of the voice of a young girl who lives in her reality and growing up with a sibling with a disability. Catherine, although constantly embarrassed by her brother would also be his support system and stand up for him when bullied by Ryan. Her love her David would always shine through her darkest moments, and showed a very sincere representation of this character. The book itself does a very good job of portraying these characters and creates a real role model as it shows Catherine growing into a young lady that is mature enough to not let her insecurities skew her perception of reality. By the end she realizes it's okay to dance and be not afraid. I personally really enjoyed the book and would love to have a copy for my classroom library. I think children could take a lot from this book.

[allieburks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book is about a twelve-year old girl named Catherine who has a little brother, David, who has autism. Her family seems to revolve around his disability and Catherine feels lost in the mix. She has spent her whole life teaching David rules about simple things in life in order to keep him from doing embarrassing things. Catherine meets a boy named Jason at OT. Jason can't talk so he uses cards to communicate with other people. Catherine becomes friends with Jason and ends up making several different cards for him that are more colorful than the cards he previously had. Catherine gets a new neighbor, Kristi, and she gets her thinking about what normal actually is. This book is in the genre of realistic fiction because it is a story that could actually happen and there is a very apparent theme throughout the book. This book exhibits real life problems that we face on a daily basis. Age appropriateness: upper intermediate

[lkilpa1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I absolutely loved this book for many reasons. First, Rules seamlessly captures the ups and downs of having a sibling with disabilities. Similar to the main character, Catherine, I have a younger sister with Down syndrome. At twelve years old, I too was embarrassed by her antics and outbursts. I could relate with her desire for her brother to "fit in" with the other children. Another reason I loved this book was the characters. They were well-developed and believable. I have worked closely for years with students with Autism and I could see many similarities between those students and David. Catherine was just like me at her age; anxious and desperate to fit in. For example, she doesn't go to the video store with her father and David because she is worried what the other customers will think of her brother reading aloud the parental advisory warnings on the back of the movies. I'm sure many other girls reading this book could identify with her as well. A final reason I loved Rules was because of the descriptive language used to describe the setting. What initially drew me into this book were lines like "Low tide smells mud-black and tangy, but high tide smells clean and salty" (pg. 13-14). Lord does a fantastic job setting you right there with the characters, experiencing what they experience. This book perfectly conveys that there is correct way to be normal. Rules focuses on acceptance and love for people with all ability levels. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the impacts of people with disabilities can have on a family and community.

[jothebookgirl · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Elementary Battle Book. I just reread this one and it was good if not even better. Such a sweet story but not too sweet as it still has the element of human nature and our need to be loved and wanted in the face of adversary.

[alaina.loescher · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book. The way that David's autism is explained in the child-like way of Catherine. I also love that Ryan's Cerebral Palsy is never named, but just explain- showing that these exceptionalities are different for different individuals and that, not the name of the exceptionality, is what is important.

[ccampeaux · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book portrayed two different disabilities very well. It showed that they can do things just like other kids who don't have their disability, but in a different way. It used person first when talking about the characters with disabilities. But I didn't totally like some of the rules. Some of the rules were restricting a child, disability or not, from making the mistakes and being able to learn from them. I don't think you should treat children that have disabilities different from children who don't, within reason.

[jmistret · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Catherine, a preteen trying to find herself, struggles with wanting to know what it would be like to lead a "normal" life. Catherine has a brother, David, who is been diagnosed with autism. She feels as though David prevents her from doing typical twelve year old things. It is really important how Catherine uses this word normal. Everybody's "normal" is very different and changes among people and families. I think that she finally figures this out towards the end of the novel.Catherine enjoys going to David's occupational therapy sessions. She feels that her mom can finally give her some undivided attention while David is with the therapist. This is very important to her. While going to the meetings, Catherine makes a friend, Jason. Jason also suffers from a disability and his mom seems to be very leery of him making new friends at first. Jason's mom was not too thrilled at Catherine's first drawing of Jason, however, she began to love the drawings. Catherine offered to help Jason by making new word cards. These words for the most part consisted of how Catherine felt at certain points. This allowed us to see a little deeper into her character. The main themes throughout this book would be overcoming adversity and realizing what normalcy really is. Catherine really is a great big sister who finally comes to terms with her brother's ways and rules and eventually defends them to even her own peers.

[eranda2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

There are two main reasons why I liked this book. The first reason is because of the point of view. This book is told from Catherine who is a typically developing child that has an autistic brother. I enjoyed that Catherine also looked at other points of views such as her brother David and Jason. For example, Catherine explains that Jason might be thinking, “I’m in this wheelchair, you idiot! How do you suppose I am?” I liked how the author included thoughts that the other characters may be saying even though they are non-verbal. Also Catherine has empathy for Jason by saying, “Whatever he’s thinking, his silence stings me.” Multiple points of views help the reader gain a better understanding of the characters. Also I liked how this book made the reader think about tough issues. For instance, how siblings and family members have to deal with child with a disability and that it is hard for everyone. This book makes the reader put themselves in their shoes and try to somewhat comprehend how a child would feel with a disability and a sibling of a child with a disability would feel.

[heatherlinc · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A sweet book about acceptance and friendship, but a bit slow at times.

[casiebelaire · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Rules was a book that hit very close to home for me. Although my daughter does not have autism, I know how Catherine feels when people stare at David and Jason. I have been through numerous OT visits with my daughter and have made many rules for her. Catherine has also made many rules for David such as, if someone is holding something you want, ask if you can have a turn, chew with your mouth closed, and no toys in the fish tank. Catherine to me wasn't embarrassed by David, but instead was protective over him. like when Ryan called him the R-word on the bus, when Kristi tried to dance with him or even when Ryan played a trick on David with the bubble gum. I think this book is truly about acceptance for Catherine. She came to accept the fact that David wasn't a "regular" brother, but that is what makes him special to her. Catherine was also accepting when she drew Jason in his wheel chair and also when she asked him to the dance and introduced him to Kristi and Ryan.

[cabaty · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Catherine's little brother, David, has autism and she sometimes goes to occupational therapy with him. There, she makes a new friend, Jason, who can't speak and uses a wheelchair. She also has a new neighbor, a girl her age, with whom she desperately wants to be friends. Catherine knows her brother is doing his best, but he still embarrasses her. The rules she makes help both of them, sometimes. Her life can be a little hectic and she has a lot to learn, but it is an honor as a reader to go on the journey along side her. We all can learn something about what it means to feel invisible. Sometimes, books reach out and grab you yelling, "Hey! Listen to me! I'm important! I'm fun! Read me!". "Rules" did that to me. There were parts of this book that SCREAMED to be read aloud, so I did. This book is wonderful tool and it reminds us that we all have our secret rules that help us get through the day.

[kwhite18 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I enjoyed reading this book, however it was very frustrating. The words used in this book were very easy to read and the sentences were interesting- I was eager to read to see what happens next. The characters, David and his sister Catherine, and a boy who she meets at her brother's physical therapy, Jason, were very likable or easy to relate to. Catherine is the older sister of a boy with Autism, so she is always coming up with rules for David to follow, such as not to put toys in the fish tank. However, it was frustrating to see Catherine always so ashamed of her brother and constantly trying to improve him. I would have enjoyed to read this book more if by the end of the story, Catherine accepts her brother for who is is, or realizes that some rules are not that important for him to follow. But meeting Jason did seem to help her become more understanding because of how she changes in the way she treats him throughout the story. The plot of this story was entertaining, and relatable for many readers. I have read a few stories from the point of view of someone with a disability, but not many book that are written from the point of view of the sibling of the person with a disability. I enjoyed reading the book from this point of view because it raised many ideas in my mind that I haven't thought of before. The big idea of this story is accept life and handle it the best way to can- hopefully with a smile. Throughout the whole story we followed along as Catherine changed from a person who cared what everyone thought, to someone who has accepted herself and her situation in life.

[lexagoldbeck · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

 I really like this book because it helps open others' eyes to people living with disabilities and how it affects them. For example, Catherine has a brother named David who suffers from autism. Catherine is often embarrassed by David and she has to make sure that he is following certain rules, which she writes in her book. An example of one of her rules is, "it's fine to hug mom, but not the clerk at the video store." There are plenty more of these rules as well. Another rule is, "if someone says 'hi' say 'hi' back." I also like that to put emphasis on each of the rules, that they were bolded and italicized. The author also did a great job at using language. Her language was very descriptive and you can create imagery with things like, "her hair floating around her like a tangle of white-blond kelp," you can imagine what this looks like in your head and it is also a great example of a simile because it is comparing something to something else. I think the big message in this book is to be accepting of others and to not be embarrassed to be around individuals with disabilities. Catherine was embarrassed to be around David and even Jason but inside she genuinely liked spending time with them as we saw this with Jason at the end where they are dancing together and having a good time at the dance. She realized that when she stopped worrying about what other people thought of her and just focused on what she wanted to do, she was happiest in that state. Just because someone is different physically or mentally doesn't mean they shouldn't be treated like regular human beings. Catherine understood and matured with this throughout the entire book.

[sceres1-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story had a very strong message, which was to be yourself. But unlike most "be yourself" themed books, it brought up more themes including Catherine's autistic brother, David. Bringing these challenges up help children realize that everyone goes through challenges, and overcomes them in different ways. Catherine had to chose between her friend Jason and the "normal" crowd. In the end, Catherine has grown and learned to find a balance between caring for David and establishing her own identity.

[hhaddad1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book greatly depicts the life of having a family member with autism. At first the main character, Catherine, is embarrassed of her brother and tries to teach him rules on what is proper to say and do. Throughout the novel, Catherine changes her outlook when she meets her friend, Jason who changes her view on what is actually consider normal and proper. This is a great book to read with young adults.

[mcnicol_08 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A novel that shares the life of an older sister of a brother with Autism. Catherine only wants a normal teenage life as strives for friendship from her new next door neighbor. As Catherine learns how to except her life she is able to find friendship in the most unexpected places.Catherine is a character that most adolescent teens will be able to connect with as she struggles with her own identity and finding her place in society. She is awkward like most teenagers and dramatizes the simplest situations. I love the perspective of being a preteen struggling with social adjustments and having a brother with autism. Catherine feels as though the whole world is constantly observing her brother, even though nobody thinks anything of her brother.This is great book to share with students and gain different perspectives on what life might be like with siblings with special needs. The main character expresses very real emotions that students with or without special needs can connect with.

[memaldonado-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Catherine is twelve years old, and she has to babysit her younger brother David who has autism. Catherin cares for her brother, and makes rules for him to follow. Most of the times David does not follow the rules, and Catherine feels ignored by her parents. Kristie moves into the next door house, and Catherine tries to form a friendship with her. Catherine worries that her brother will get in the way of becoming friends with Kristi. Catherine also meets Jason in the clinic where her brother David has occupational therapy, and she becomes friends with Jason. Jason is in a wheelchair, and he has communication difficulties. He has a communication book that has words in it to express his needs. Catherine makes new words with her drawings for Jason’s communication book, and she also feels a little embarrassed about him. Her friendship with Jason becomes complex because she does not want Kristi to see her with Jason. I do not understand why Catherine felt embarrassed if Kristi saw her with Jason. I thought that she was a more sympathetic person toward Jason, but by the end of the story she finds the courage to accept Jason as he is. This is a wonderful book because kids can learn to understand people with disabilities. I enjoyed the book because it has so many real life situations, and I have also made rules for my younger brother because of this book.

[ccanizales-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Catherine is a girl who is learning to deal with her brother, who is autistic. She sometimes feels embarrassed and her friends sometimes tease him. She makes rules for her brother to help him behave. Although she has trouble dealing with it, she always takes up for her brother. She meets a boy named Jason, who is in a wheelchair. She keeps Jason's friendship a secret, which upsets her other friend, Kristi. Catherine learns to deal with her brother, David. This is an amazing book (my favorite). Recommended for grades 3-6.