66 pages • 2 hours read
Rules
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Book Brief
224
Novel • Fiction
Maine • Contemporary
2006
Middle grade
9-12 years
670L
Super Short Summary
In Rules by Cynthia Lord, 12-year-old Catherine, dealing with her brother David's autism, forms a bond with Jason, a non-speaking, wheelchair-using boy, through their shared visits to an occupational therapy clinic. As she navigates relationships with new neighbor Kristi and Jason, Catherine faces challenges balancing her desires, family responsibilities, and friendships.
Heartwarming
Emotional
Contemplative
Inspirational
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
66,424 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews for Cynthia Lord's Rules praise its heartwarming narrative and sensitive portrayal of autism. Many commend its relatable characters and emotional depth. Criticisms focus on a predictable plot and occasional one-dimensional side characters. Overall, it’s regarded as an insightful, compassionate middle-grade novel, though its depth may vary for some readers.
Who Should Read Rules?
Readers who enjoy Rules by Cynthia Lord are typically young teens who appreciate heartfelt, realistic fiction that explores themes of family and friendship. Comparable to fans of Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper, they seek relatable characters and emotional growth stories.
66,424 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
224
Novel • Fiction
Maine • Contemporary
2006
Middle grade
9-12 years
670L
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