Rules by Cynthia Lord

Rules
by Cynthia Lord
Bibliography

Lord, C. (2006). Rules. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9781428738096

Plot Summary

Catherine has rules, rules for her autistic brother ("A boy can take off his shirt to swim, but not his shorts.") and rules for herself ("Pantless brothers are not my problem.").  She loves her brother, David, but she also desires to be a normal kid with neighborhood friends and her fair share of parental attention. Catherine's friendships with Jason, for whom she creates words not rules, and Kristi, a new neighbor, help her discover some of the unwritten rules of life in this fabulous contemporary realistic fiction novel for middle graders.

Critical Analysis

What a pleasure to grow along with this 12 year old girl as she discovers what matters to her.  The fresh and contemporary language and setting transcend time and place at the same time they feel like the here and now.  The dialog is clean and realistic, absolutely believable.  Catherine is a pretty amazing 12 year old, but definitely 12, with real flaws and real heart and Cynthia Lord does a fantastic job keeping the story perfectly aligned with her character.

Rules could be about any American girl or boy in any town or city.  Young readers will easily identify with Catherine, even if they aren't living with her same challenges. This story is about personal growth, but is never didactic or preachy.  Catherine grows because it is natural to her personality, not because Cynthia Lord wants to teach us a lesson.  The conclusion is satisfying and leaves the reader proud and hoping we would behave similarly, even though we are never told we must.

Review Excerpts

* Booklist, "A heartwarming first novel.

* Kirkus, "Catherine is an appealing and believable character..."

* Horn Book, "The emotions in this fast-paced novel ring true."

Connections

* Cynthia Lord's website is quite comprehensive with a biography, her bibliography, links to interviews (including video and audio interviews), and her journal or blog. Check it out!

* Here is a discussion guide for Rules written by Cynthia Lord.

* Enjoy Rules in audio format from Audible.com.