Rules

Week 4 Novel 1:
Rules
By: Cynthia Lord
Published: 2006

Just a bit of a disclaimer, I read this book when it was first released when I was in middle school. I decided to reread it because I did not remember it in that great of detail and I'm so happy I did. My one memory of Rules was that I did not really enjoy it. Rereading it ten years later, I understand why I did not enjoy it as an eleven-year-old. I did not possess the ability to sympathize with Catherine, the protagonist who is growing up with a younger brother with Autism. While I did not completely love this book the second time through, I have a deeper appreciation and understanding of it.

Catherine is an incredibly realistic protagonist. While her circumstances may have forced her to grow up and mature a bit more quickly than others, her thoughts and actions are very true to her age. She is grappling with the concept of equality throughout the book, and eventually learns the important lesson of the difference between fair and equal. Once she comes to this realization, she is able to effectively communicate with her parents about her feelings and needs.

While Rules is not my favorite book by any means, it is a great classroom tool. Not only does it delve into the concept of equality vs. fair, but it also preaches the importance of acceptance, sympathy, and understanding for those who may be a bit different from us. This book would make a great book club book because it would allow for more intimate conversations about the text amongst students. I give this book three stars.