A Review of 'Rules' By: Cynthia Lord
No toys in the fish tank. A real conversation takes two people. If someone says “hi”, you say “hi” back. Sometimes people laugh when they like you, but sometimes people laugh to hurt you. Rules by Cynthia Lord is a heart-warming book that provides one with a relatable and emotional look at feeling different and accepting yourself; instead of letting the rules control you.
Catherine is a twelve year-old girl that would love a white picket fence life, but her little brother has autism and her family revolves around his disability. Catherine makes rules for David to try and teach him the things everyone else seems to know. This summer Catherine might get the next-door friend she's always wanted and a very surprising new type of friend, which makes her question all the rules she's ever made. Will the rules that she made for David start to apply to Catherine and help her, or will that hurt her?
Rules is an understandable story that made me rethink all the problems surrounding kids with disabilities. Tackling almost all the difficulties of childhood, Cynthia Lord has created a masterpiece. Filled with moments that could've been plucked out of any kid’s life, this novel made me laugh and cry at the same time. Overall this book definitely deserves its Newberry award, due to it's ability to charm and relate to anyone’s life.
I recommend Rules to, any reader with siblings, fans of 'Sisters' or 'Ghosts' by Raina Telgemeier, and anyone who has rules for themselves. I challenge those people to read Rules and see if it changes their perspective, because it changed mine. After reading Rules I now have a deeper understanding and acceptance for myself and anyone who is ‘different’. Most of all I have learnt that in order to accept yourself, you must first accept the people around you.
