Rules

Cynthia Lord's Newbery Honor-winning novel, Rules, introduces Catherine, a 12-year-old girl who meticulously crafts 'rules' for her younger brother, David, who has autism, in an attempt to manage his behavior and bring a semblance of normalcy to her family life. Catherine's world is further complicated, and ultimately enriched, by her friendship with Jason, a non-verbal boy who uses a wheelchair, and her desire to connect with Kristi, the cool new girl next door. This poignant story explores themes of acceptance, identity, and the complexities of sibling love, as Catherine grapples with embarrassment, loyalty, and the true meaning of friendship. It's an excellent book for opening conversations about neurodiversity, physical disabilities, and empathy.

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?