Rules, by Cynthia Lord
By Motherof4
05-11-08
This is a young adult book, and really wonderful. It's been out for a while, so you may have heard of it. A twelve-year-old girl has to wrestle with becoming a teenager while having a brother with autism. She makes up lists of rules for him, in case he can one day understand them. In the process, she begins to understand the world a little better herself.
My daughter and one of her best friends really loved this book.
My daughter and one of her best friends really loved this book.
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Rules
By 4muskateers
05-12-08
I have suggested parents read this book...our boys liked the book...and they felt right at home with it...since they are always helping some person or child with a disability.
Good Choice
By AIsForAutism
05-12-08
Hi...What a great choice. I recently purchased this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. I wouldn't say it was "young adult" - I would say upper elementary level. It also won the Newbery Award. I think this would be a great tool for sibling support groups, introduction to autism or a book for kids on the spectrum who can read. Here is a review given by School Library Journal on Amazon...
Grade 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.-Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME.
Here is Cynthia Lord's Post on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/A2IQS8EYZB60L3/ref=cm_blog_dp_artist_blog
Grade 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.-Connie Tyrrell Burns, Mahoney Middle School, South Portland, ME.
Here is Cynthia Lord's Post on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/A2IQS8EYZB60L3/ref=cm_blog_dp_artist_blog
