Staff Pick: Rules by Cynthia Lord

Some rules keep us safe, some don’t always seem necessary, and some can usually go without saying…, rules like “Keep your pants on in public”, and “If the bathroom door is locked, KNOCK!”

Meet 12 year old Catherine.  Her younger brother David is autistic. She sometimes feels neglected by her parents and her love for her brother is as real as her frustrations and embarrassment by his behavior.  While attending David’s therapy session Catherine meets Jason, a surprising, new sort-of friend who can talk only by using cards, and Kristi the potential next-door friend she’s always wished to have.  Catherine begins to learn and understand that normal is difficult. She starts to look at things differently.  Rules of behavior are less important than acceptance of others.  Catherine is an endearing narrator who tells her story with both humor and heartbreak.  Rules by Cynthia Lord is a heartwarming first novel.