Book Review #2

Rules by Cynthia Lord (recommended for grades 4-7)

From School Library Journal "Twelve-year-old Catherine has conflicting feelings about her younger brother, David, who is autistic. While she loves him, she is also embarrassed by his behavior and feels neglected by their parents. In an effort to keep life on an even keel, Catherine creates rules for him (It's okay to hug Mom but not the clerk at the video store). Each chapter title is also a rule, and lots more are interspersed throughout the book. When Kristi moves in next door, Catherine hopes that the girl will become a friend, but is anxious about her reaction to David. Then Catherine meets and befriends Jason, a nonverbal paraplegic who uses a book of pictures to communicate, she begins to understand that normal is difficult, and perhaps unnecessary, to define. Rules of behavior are less important than acceptance of others. Catherine is an endearing narrator who tells her story with both humor and heartbreak. Her love for her brother is as real as are her frustrations with him. Lord has candidly captured the delicate dynamics in a family that revolves around a child's disability. Set in coastal Maine, this sensitive story is about being different, feeling different, and finding acceptance. A lovely, warm read, and a great discussion starter."

I'm considering this one for my book list; have any of you read it?

I love the layers of teaching possibilities, and as I flipped through and skimmed the chapters, I was struck by many of the rules Catherine created for her brother to help him successfully navigate through life. A sampling:

Not everything worth keeping has to be useful.
Sometimes people laugh when they like you. But sometimes they laugh to hurt you.
No toys in the fish tank.
If you can only choose one, pick carefully.
Take your shoes off at the doctor, but at the dentist leave them on.
When you say something stupid, gloss over it with superfast talking and maybe no one will notice.
Open closet doors carefully. Sometimes things fall out.
Sometimes things work out, but don't count on it.
When someone is upset, it's not a good time to bring up your own problems.
Flush!
Looking closer can make something beautiful.
Sometimes you've gotta work with what you've got.

Any thoughts? Any books you would recommend?
Thanks!
Jana