Rules

Lord, Cynthia. 2006. RULES. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN 043944382

*Plot Summary

Twelve-year old Catherine spends her summer dealing with her family, meeting new people, and learning about herself.

*Critical Analysis

Cynthia Lord’s first novel, RULES, includes memorable, well-developed characters. Catherine, the protagonist, is an artist twelve-year old girl who is excited about summer vacation - swimming in the nearby pond and getting to know her new next door neighbor Kristi. Catherine also spends a great deal of time helping her mother take care of her younger brother, David, who is autistic. In Catherine, Lord has created a realistic, interesting character. Catherine shows understanding for her brother and is aware of his differences and difficulties. She even makes rules for him to follow because “David doesn’t learn by watching other people, so I have to teach him everything.” On the other hand, she is not perfect in her dealings with her brother; she sometimes loses patience and even wishes he could take a pill to so he could “wake up one morning without autism, like someone waking from a long coma.”

Another example the multi-dimensional characters in RULES is Jason, a patient at the clinic where David attends occupational therapy twice a week. Jason is a teenager who is confined to a wheelchair and uses a communication book instead of speaking. Although Jason’s disabilities are a major part of his character, Lord shows him as a dynamic character with interests, ideas, dreams and frustrations. David likes music and does not enjoy working with his speech therapist, “STUPID. SPEECH. WOMAN.” Readers learn a great deal about both Catherine and Jason by their interactions with one another. Markers of inclusive literature include one of David’s speech habits which is to use lines from FROG AND TOAD instead of his own words when communicating. Also, Jason must communicate through cards and uses a wheelchair.

In addition to well-developed characters, RULES also has an original, true to life plot. The plot revolves around Catherine and her relationships with her family and friends. As the novel progresses so do the relationships between Catherine and her new friends – Jason and Kristi. The action of the plot moves along logically with an eventual climax and resolution that are realistic. Catherine’s brother still has autism, Jason is still bound to his wheelchair, and some people are still not accepting of them; however, these events echo the realistic tone of the novel. Markers of inclusive literature are also present in the plot. The friendship between Jason and Catherine begins with her designing word cards for his communication book. Also, part of the problem in the book revolves around Catherine’s feelings about sharing her friendship with Jason.

The setting of the novel is contemporary Maine. This is important to the story because Catherine is artistic and often notices the colors and scenes of her surroundings – the beach, pond, seagulls. The more specific setting of the clinic is also very important to the plot. Jason and Catherine begin their friendship at the clinic, but eventually, the relationship goes outside this setting to the parking lot, the beach, Jason’s house, and beyond. This change in setting is effective in moving the plot and showing the growth of the characters. That much of the novel takes place at the clinic where Jason receives speech therapy and David attends occupational therapy is an inclusive literature marker.

Themes of the novel include friendship, family, fitting in, and respecting differences. The characters, plot, and setting all help to develop the themes naturally. The style of the novel is dictated by the first-person narration of Catherine. This narration is balanced well with the dialogue of the novel. Another element of style is the author’s use of rules; throughout the book, David’s rules title each chapter. Also, Catherine recites rules throughout the book; the font for the rules gives a hand-written appearance. The mood of the novel is often serious, but a casual tone and moments of humor are also present. Finally, Lord uses figurative language in the novel as well.

*Response

This book is a wonderful story that I think many young readers would enjoy. I will definitely recommend it in the library. I think it would also make a great book for a novel study or literature circle.

*Review Excerpts

"Lord has candidly captured the delicate dynamics in a family that revolves around a child's disability. Set in coastal Maine, this sensitive story is about being different, feeling different, and finding acceptance. A lovely, warm read, and a great discussion starter."
School Library Journal

"A rewarding story that may well inspire readers to think about others' points of view."
Publishers Weekly

"Catherine is an appealing and believable 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 this exploration of dealing with differences."
Kirkus Review

*Connections

-Conduct research on autism.
-Write a journal entry. Do you think the way Catherine treats Jason is fair? Why or why not?
-Catherine tries to show Jason how it feels to run. Using words, explain running. Write a short paragraph using your best descriptive language.
-How is your family similar to Catherine’s? How is it different?