Rules by Cynthia Lord

Publisher: Scholastic
Pub. Date: September 1st 2008
Age Range: MG
Pages: 224
Format: paperback
Source Of Copy: from author - Cynthia Lord

Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is near impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. She's spent years trying to teach David the rules from "a peach is not a funny-looking apple" to "keep your pants on in public"---in order to head off David's embarrassing behaviors. But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a surprising, new sort-of friend, and Kristi, the next-door friend she's always wished for, it's her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal?


Middle grade books never interest me that much because I think they're too young sometimes. I only read those to kill time. However, Rules proved that I may have taken those stories for granted all this time. This is an excellent middle grade book, one that impresses you with is simplicity & meaningfulness.

The most interesting thing about Rules is that the book doesn't necessarily have a specific plot, like one matter pops out and you have to figure out how to solve it. It's the kind of book the describes the daily life, one that makes you feel so close as if you're living inside the story. It's simple but not flat. That's why I find Rules very special.

Rules revolves around an innocent girl who has a brother with autism but the atmosphere doesn't feel sad or depressed at all. It's either because the narrator is young and cheerful or that the author's experience helps me write everything in a very light voice. I also love how little things and happenings mentioned throughout the book give us something to think about, especially Catherine's rules to her brother.

Catherine is such an adorable girl. You can't help but love her. She's innocent but sometimes she has deep thoughts about life too. Her love for her brother is really great even though she may act selfish here and there. I also love her friendship with Jason. It's so peaceful it soothes my mind. Each and every character in this book is so dear and honest.

Overall, this is the book that can both give you some time to relax your mind as well as teaching you little things about life.

Rating: 4/5