Review: Lord, C. (2006). Rules.

Lord, C. (2006). Rules. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

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This is a touching coming-of-age story about a preadolescent girl who is not only finding her way through the murky waters of middle school friendships and relating to boys, but also living with a sibling who is not neurotypical like her or their parents.  Catherine is twelve years old, and her younger brother, David, has autism. For many years she has been able to physically force him into compliance, but now that he is growing, she relies on being able to talk him into what she considers acceptable behaviors, and jots down standard “rules” of life for him--and for herself.  Rules for David span the simple--“when someone says ‘hi,’ you say ‘hi’ back”--to the more socially complex: “sometimes people laugh when they like you, but sometimes they laugh to hurt you.” Although artistically inclined, the self-deprecating Catherine enforces rules for herself including not counting on things working out, and “no dancing unless I’m alone in my room or it’s pitch-black dark” (178).

In spite of David’s intrinsic drive to define his life through rules, he mostly breaks hers, and Catherine continues to struggle with her feelings of embarrassment over his actions, and invisibility beside his more pressing needs.  She longs for greater attention from Mom or Dad, and for a nextdoor friend to replace her best friend who has gone away for the summer--so she is thrilled that another girl her age is moving into the recently-sold house next to theirs.  Kristi is all-around cool, but as much as Catherine hopes to impress her, life begins to unravel at the rules. First, Catherine befriends a boy named Jason, who cannot walk or speak, while spending time at her brother’s therapy center. Then, she is distraught at Kristi’s friendship with the cruel neighborhood boy, Ryan, who has frequently tormented David.

As Catherine continues to create new and inventive word cards for Jason’s communication book, their friendship deepens, but she purposely withholds from Kristi the fact that he is in a wheelchair--going so far as to hide from view when they are on an outing together.  Then a pivotal moment of truth in middle school life arrives--a dance. Catherine must decide whether she will succumb to peer pressure and continue to silence her own feelings, or speak up for herself and her needs, as well as the truly important people in her life.

This novel has an upbeat tempo and sense of humor, and a conclusion that is possibly more positive and satisfying than similar stories, such as Out of My Mind.  It has been well received by readers even younger than the protagonist, and helps create an understanding of and empathy for what it may be like to be on the spectrum, or alternately to be part of a family with someone who views the world from such a different perspective.  It is clear that the author writes this fictional story from a place of personal experience, and that she wants to impart to the reader how important each individual person is, as well as the significance of appreciating our friends and family members for their unique characteristics.  Although there are many books published today about people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, this is still a top choice for elementary and middle grade readers, and will keep them turning pages with its intelligent characterization, humor, and the articulate voice of a twelve-year old that many similarly-aged children wish they had to express themselves.

Another of Lord’s award-winning books, and a favorite among fans of this Rules, is A Handful of Stars.  For an interview with the author about this novel, click here.