About This Book
In Mac Barnett's 'Rules of the House,' Ian is a meticulous rule-follower, a stark contrast to his mischievous sister, Jenny. Their vacation takes a wild turn when the house they're staying in reveals a list of rules, and Jenny's constant rule-breaking leads to the house's sentient objects deciding it's time for 'rulebreaker soup.' Ian must then decide if saving his sister is worth breaking every rule he holds dear. This chapter book offers a humorous, slightly spooky adventure that cleverly explores sibling dynamics, the importance of rules, and the complexities of moral choices, making it perfect for ages 4-11.
Ian always follows the rules. His sister, Jenny, breaks them all the time-especially "Don't pinch." So Ian is thrilled when the house where his family is vacationing posts a tidy list of rules. But when Jenny breaks them all, the house itself decides it's time for payback. The rug, the stove, and the bathtub are hungry for rulebreaker soup, and they've found the perfect ingredient: Jenny!
Scary Scenes
peril_danger
Discussion Prompts
1
Why do you think Ian likes rules so much, and why does Jenny like to break them?
2
What was the 'thorny question' Ian faced? Have you ever had to choose between following a rule and doing something else important?
3
If you were Ian, what would you have done when the house started talking?
4
What do you think the house learned about rules and fairness by the end of the story?
5
Are there some rules that are more important than others? How do we decide?
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