RULES
Lord, Cynthia. RULES. 2008. New York: Scholastic, Inc. ISBN 9780439443838
Plot Summary
Cynthia Lord takes the reader inside the life of a family with an autistic child autism. It is not easy raising an autistic child. Twelve year-old Catherine makes rules to curb some of David's embarrassing behaviors. A new girl is moving in next door and Catherine is hoping the girl will be the friend she has always wanted. Catherine discovers a friendship while waiting for her brother during his occupational therapy sessions. The summer is full of surprises as Catherine learns she is much like the people she tries to shield her brother from meeting. A very tender and touching story which will ring true with children who have disabled siblings. Yes there are others like me in this world and what is normal anyway?
Critical Analysis
Rules is a touching modern day story that takes place in a suburban area probably middle class close to what I call the country because a pond is nearby. The language is typical of young people in this time period with words like awesome, stinks a big one, gross, whatever. The theme of acceptance, love, and frustration is handled realistically as we see Catherine struggles with her feelings toward her little brother, her family, Jason, Kristi, Ryan and Melissa. The story starts slowly but carries the reader gently through a journey most have never taken. It value to those who have. Lord put her emphasis on the story and the characters and does not give much background or setting details.
This story touches home for me because "I have a niece who is mentally retarded and will live with her parents for her entire life. Life has not been easy, nor has it been normal. Lord does an excellent job of showing us the feelings of Catherine who is "normal" and Jason who cannot speak or walk as well as what life with an autistic brother is like. The constant repetition of statements, not understanding maybe or it depends or I don't know is exasperating for David. He never forgets nor will he let you forget. When his father told him he would pick him up at five 0'clock and then was late David broke down with sobs. "He might not understand some things, but David loves rules." Throughout the story we are privy to some of the rules Catherine has developed for David, but she has also developed rules for herself.
Feelings of frustration are evident in statements like, "Sometimes everyone gets invited except us, and it's because of David" or someone's facial expressions reads, "What's wrong with this kid?" "People stare, or they hurry away, and I know what they're thinking. Oh, isn't that too bad, or Whew, I'm glad that's not me." This is true. I have seen this happen in our family with our niece. She is a kind and loving person but she repeats everything she hears, takes everything as the truth, eats and talks with her mouth full of food, and has trouble getting the words out at times. Some people do not get to know the real person inside, the one who prays for you when you are sick, sends a hand scribbled note when you are down, or calls to check on somebody who has lost a loved one, nor do they know that she likes boys, would like to go on a date, and would like to go to college or have a real job. My niece is six months younger than my daughter. When they were in high school together some of the "cool kids" were making fun of her and my daughter stepped in to "set them straight" about kindness and treating everyone with respect. While reading this book this experience returned to my mind. Fortunately there was a happy ending for my niece in high school.
Lord paints a vivid picture of Catherine's struggles with her brother, Jason, and her family. A special needs child takes more time and attention and it is not always easy for the "normal" child to understand. Catherine goes with her mother to David's appointments just so she can have some alone time with her mother when David is busy with the therapist. Catherine longs for time with her father and states, "Maybe you and I could do something special, too? Just us.?" Then later thinks to herself, "But what about me." I find it interesting that as Catherine begins to grow as a person when she needs her father to come home from work (he never comes home on time) she says, "We matter too."
Lord also provides some depth to the character of Jason. It is not important to know how he "got that way" but to realize he has feeling, desires, hopes and dreams just like everyone else. He wants to run, he wants to dance, and he knows he is missing something when Catherine tells him about bringing up the mud from the bottom of the pond. Her new words with her colorful illustrations give him new ways to express his real feelings. Some people will never understand people with disabilities. Rules, we all have them, we all make them. Others will learn to break their rules and dance like Catherine.
Reviews
The appealing, credible narrator at the heart of Lord's debut novel will draw in readers, s she struggles to find order and balance in her life. As she creates new cards that expand Jason's ability to express his feelings, their growing friendship enables Catherine to do the same. A rewarding story that may well inspire readers to think about others' points of view. - Publishers Weekly
Catherine is an appealing character, acutely self-conscious and torn between her love for her brother and her resentment of his special needs. Middle-grade readers will recognize her longing for acceptance and be intrigued by the exploration of dealing with differences. - Kirkus Reviews
Awards/Connections
Newbery honor Medal
Schneider Family Book Award
Mitten Award (Michigan Library Association)
Great Lakes Great Books Award (Michigan)
Maine Student Book Award
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award (Vermont)
Kentucky Bluegrass Award
Great Stone Face Award (New Hampshire)
Buckeye Children's Book Award (Ohio)
An ALA Notable Children's Book
A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year
An NCTE Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts
IAN'S WALK written by Laurie Lears
WAITING FOR BENJAMIN: A STORY ABOUT AUTISM written by Alexandra Altman
AUTISM AND ME: Sibling Stories written by Ouisie Shapiro
http://www.cynthialord.com/
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