About This Book

Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life. Which is near impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family that revolves around his disability. She's spent years trying to teach David the rules — from "a peach is not a funny-looking apple" to "keep your pants on in public" — in order to stop his embarrassing behaviors. But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a paraplegic boy, and Kristi, the next-door friend she's always wished for, it's her own shocking behavior that turns everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal?

Praise for Rules

"A heartwarming first novel" — Booklist

"Catherine is an endearing narrator who tells her story with both humor and heartbreak. A lovely, warm read, and a great discussion starter." — School Library Journal

"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

Newbery Honor Medal
Schneider Family Book Award
ALA Notable Children's Book

About the Authors or Illustrators

Cynthia Lord

Cynthia Lord's debut novel Rules, is a book about a twelve-year-old named Catherine just who has an autistic brother. Her latest book is Hot Rod Hamster, a rhythmic, rip-roaring read-aloud about a hamster who puts the pedal to the metal.

Read more >