Thursday, December 28, 2006
Rules, by Cynthia Lord
Twelve-year old Catherine tries to manage her brother's autism with rules such as, "It's fine to hug Mom, but not the clerk at the video store," while her growing friendship with Jason, a paraplegic she meets at her brother's occupational therapist's helps her to see beyond their disabilities. Light humor, an ocean-side setting, and Catherine's artistic talents support a well-rounded inclusion of characters with disabilities.
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2 comments:
I second this strong novel dealing with a difficult subject.
Catherine's mixed feelings about her brother's autism seem very realisitic. She's frustrated and embarrassed by him but is also very protective. Lord carefully balances teen-age emotions to build believable characters throughout.
Autism is a growing difficulty, it's nice to see it dealt with so positively in this novel.
Catherine's struggle to accept Jason and David in public and her family's dynamics are all presented with such good humor. Students will be easily drawn into this warm and well told story.
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