Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that there's nothing of concern here -- and much to be celebrated, particularly the main character's introspectiveness.
Families can discuss autism. What is it? What would it be like to live with an autistic person? What might it be like to be autistic? Children may want to know more about it -- see the Related Books and Media section below for some helpful links. Also, kids might be interested in compiling their own lists of rules for daily living.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Matt Berman
Written by the mother of an autistic child, RULES has the ring of authenticity. David's behaviors are challenging, but his family has become adept at dealing with them. All are doing their best, but each copes in individual ways: the father is somewhat avoidant, the mother is worn down and snappish, and Catherine is, at times, frustrated, bewildered, and resentful. But there's love and happiness in this family as well.
This is a clear-eyed, unsentimental look at a real family problem. Two things raise it above the usual run of "problem" novels. One is Catherine's relationship with Jason, a paraplegic boy who taps on picture cards in a book to communicate. Catherine, a budding artist, begins creating more illustrated word cards for his book; choosing words and pictures becomes a way for her to look at her own life, to think and assess and then respond and express her thoughts and feelings.
The other is the poignant way that David sometimes communicates -- through memorized sections of Arnold Lobel's Frog and Toad books. Their mother disapproves, wanting David to use his own words instead of quoting someone else's. But David chooses pieces of the books that are metaphorically and expressively appropriate, and when he and Catherine engage in one of their delicate Frog-and-Toad dialogues, it's lovely enough to bring a lump to your throat.
From The Book
So I reach over, wipe away his tear with the side of my thumb, and say the only words I know will calm him: "'Frog, you are looking quite green.'"
David sniffles. "'But I always look green,' said Frog. 'I am a frog.'"
I pause, pretending I don't remember what comes next, though I can do the entire book word for word by heart.
"'Today you look very green, even for a frog,' said Toad." David looks at me.
I nod. "Even for a frog."
Plot Summary:
Catherine's brother, David, is autistic, and their family life revolves around his needs. Catherine loves her brother and cares enough about him to attempt to help him by compiling lists of rules for living like an ordinary person: "If someone says 'hi,' you say 'hi' back." "If the bathroom door is closed, knock (especially if Catherine has a friend over)!"
But Catherine is also frustrated and embarrassed by David and by the way her needs seem secondary, if not nonexistent, to her family. When a girl her age moves in next door, Catherine hopes to be friends but worries that David will ruin the relationship. And her growing friendship with a mute paraplegic boy makes things even more complicated.
Related Books:
Siblings with Disabilities:
The Summer of the Swans by Betsy Byars
Me Too by Vera and Bill Cleaver
Earthquake Terror by Peg Kehret
Loving Ben by Elizabeth Laird
Radiance Descending by Paula Fox
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
Becoming Naomi León by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Related Web Sites
Author's Site
Autism Society of America
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