Rules

Citation: Lord, C. (2006). Rules. New York, NY : Scholastic Inc.
Category: Realistic fiction, Chapter Book
Awards: Newberry Honor Medal, Schneider Family Book Award
Summary: Lord presents the story of Catherine and her journey of self discovery in realizing maybe she doesn't want a normal life.  Catherine's little brother David has autism.  He lives by rules that Catherine makes for him to help make social situation easier.  Every week her brother goes to therapy and she comes along.  She meets a boy, Jason while waiting who, although the book never explicitly says, has a type of cerebral palsy, I believe.  Catherine journeys though her summer, discovering who her true friends and finding out what really matters in life.
Classroom Use:  I would use this book in the classroom to talk about disabilities and student differences   Students should be aware that everyone is different and needs different things.  It is important for the students to understand and show compassion and consideration when they encounter others who aren't exactly like them.  This book puts things in perspective and can help show the students what really matters most in relationships.