Module 4: Rules

Citation:

Lord, C. (2006). Rules. Prince Frederick, MD.: Recorded Books LLC. 

Summary:

Katherine has a younger brother named David. By all accounts he's annoying like any little brother should be. But David is not a "normal" little brother, he's autistic. Even though Katherine knows it's  not his fault, she can't help but wish that her brother would wake up one day and be normal. As a teenage girl, tries to reconcile her world in David's reality with her desire to live a normal teenage girl life. She doesn't quite know where she fits in.

Impressions:

The author does an excellent job of capturing the torn and complex feelings of the lead character Katherine. The reader, Jessica Almassy, did an average job, but I felt her characterization was lacking in diversity. I think this is a valuable book for teens struggling with special needs family members, but is also speak to the issue of popularity and fitting in that all teens struggle with.  

Usage in the Library: 

This would be a great title to pair with a No Place for Hate or Anti-Bullying lesson. The lesson could include a role-playing component in which students practice dealing with uncomfortable or tense scenarios in which someone is being bullied. The library could also hold a poster competition in which students submit poster entries promoting tolerance. 

Review: 

Gr 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.

Review Citation:
 
Burns, C. (2006). Rules. School Library Journal, 52(4), 142.