This book is about Catherine, a twelve-year-old girl with an autistic brother. She doesn’t like it, so she makes up all these rules to make him act more ‘normal’. One day, she meets a boy with features she finds difficult to accept, as well as a new neighbour named Kristi who she misleads in order to impress. Catherine wants them both as friends, but she realizes she can’t have them both. She is faced with a decision that will haunt her for the rest of her life. She also has two guinea pigs who have a life philosophy she never imagined would be useful. I thought that Kristi might just be pretending to be nice to Catherine. You will find that Catherine changes her behavior towards David. To find out what she does, read this 200-page book.
Rules is a book that teaches you that everyone is unique and that you must recognize what is important in a friend. You’ll have to read the book to find out what Catherine (the main character) does. You will find yourself thinking about your own life as you read this book, about what you need to accept and what isn’t as important as you think it is. You will also consider your friends and whether they are true friends. I like the dance scene because Catherine learns that what matters most about a person is what’s on the inside.
This book is appropriate for girls ages 9-14.
Note: those with autism should be careful reading this book. It may be offensive.
Originally written by Chelsea C
Book by Cynthia Lord
