RULES, by Cynthia Lord
RULES FOR DAVID
If the bathroom door is closed, knock! (especially if Catherine has a friend over).
Say thank you when someone gives you a present (even if you don't like it).
Don't stand in front of the TV when other people are watching it.
A boy takes off his shirt to swim, but not his shorts.
Some people think they know who you are, when really they don't.
No toys in the fishtank.
Winner of: 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)
“A heartwarming first novel.” Booklist
New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
“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 Reviews
KidPost Book of the Week, Washington Post
"The appealing, credible narrator at the heart of Lord's debut novel will draw in readers, as she struggles to find order and balance in her life.... A rewarding story that may well inspire readers to think about others' points of view." Publishers Weekly
Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts (NCTE)
"This is a story that depicts the impact of a needy child on an entire family very realistically. One of the treats in this book is that David echoes words rather than generating his own and he frequently speaks in lines he remembers from Arnold Lobel's Frog & Toad." Children's Literature - Joan Kindig, Ph.D.
Book of the Week, Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
"Catherine is an endearing narrator who tells her story with both humor and heartbreak. . . this sensitive story is about being different, feeling different, and finding acceptance. A lovely, warm read, and a great discussion starter." School Library Journal
Editors' Pick, HW Wilson Standard Catalog
"This is an absorbing tale about valuing people even when it's difficult, and it may encourage readers to consider the benefits and challenges of their own families and friends." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Accelerated Reader (AR) Title
"This is not only a great read, with a nice rhythm and easy style, but it is an important book that siblings of kids with special needs need to read." Kid Lit: Books and More For Kids and Teens
ALA Notable Children's Book
"The first-person narrative is very engaging, and readers will identify with Catherine's struggles and cheer for her at the end. This is a great book to help students gain some understanding about autism, while also providing a good read. The author is the mother of an autistic child. Recommended." Library Media Connection
If the bathroom door is closed, knock! (especially if Catherine has a friend over).
Say thank you when someone gives you a present (even if you don't like it).
Don't stand in front of the TV when other people are watching it.
A boy takes off his shirt to swim, but not his shorts.
Some people think they know who you are, when really they don't.
No toys in the fishtank.
Winner of: 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)
“A heartwarming first novel.” Booklist
New York Public Library's 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing
“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 Reviews
KidPost Book of the Week, Washington Post
"The appealing, credible narrator at the heart of Lord's debut novel will draw in readers, as she struggles to find order and balance in her life.... A rewarding story that may well inspire readers to think about others' points of view." Publishers Weekly
Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts (NCTE)
"This is a story that depicts the impact of a needy child on an entire family very realistically. One of the treats in this book is that David echoes words rather than generating his own and he frequently speaks in lines he remembers from Arnold Lobel's Frog & Toad." Children's Literature - Joan Kindig, Ph.D.
Book of the Week, Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
"Catherine is an endearing narrator who tells her story with both humor and heartbreak. . . this sensitive story is about being different, feeling different, and finding acceptance. A lovely, warm read, and a great discussion starter." School Library Journal
Editors' Pick, HW Wilson Standard Catalog
"This is an absorbing tale about valuing people even when it's difficult, and it may encourage readers to consider the benefits and challenges of their own families and friends." Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Accelerated Reader (AR) Title
"This is not only a great read, with a nice rhythm and easy style, but it is an important book that siblings of kids with special needs need to read." Kid Lit: Books and More For Kids and Teens
ALA Notable Children's Book
"The first-person narrative is very engaging, and readers will identify with Catherine's struggles and cheer for her at the end. This is a great book to help students gain some understanding about autism, while also providing a good read. The author is the mother of an autistic child. Recommended." Library Media Connection