Twelve year old Catherine is embarrassed by her autistic brother’s behavior so she sets rules for him to follow; rules like “No toys in the fish tank” and “a boy can take off his shirt to swim, but not his shorts”. In this heartfelt story of Catherine she shares her ups and downs of her family life and life as a tween.
When a Kristi moves next door Catherine would like to be friends with her, but she is unsure and scared how Kristi will react to David’s “embarrassing behaviors”. Catherine also meets Jason, a paraplegic and once again finds herself embarrassed to be seen with him. Only later does she realize that acceptance is the only rule that everyone needs to follow.
Cynthia Lord crafts a magnificent story of a young girl longing for acceptance in a world that we can all use some understanding of the differences around us.
UPDATE:
Hi, Jessica the librarian here. Since a lot of people have questions about this book, I’m going to try to help readers understand some of the different issues. If you need more help, leave us a message in the comments field.
1. Setting: Setting usually involves two pieces, time and place. The time is pretty easy to identify; ask yourself if the story takes place in historical times or current times. And then ask yourself what time of year it is. (You can figure this out by clues such as the weather– is it warm or cold?– and whether or not the kids are in school.)
As for place, the author does mention the state a few times, but even if you forget that detail, you can still describe the setting. Is it out in the country or in the city? Is it near mountains or the ocean or a lake, or a hospital or a school or places to shop?
2. Characters: There are lots of different ways to describe characters. Some characters are young or old, friendly or mean, frustrating or easy-going, insecure or confident, patient or impatient…
3. Themes: What do you think the author is trying to say? Why did Cynthia Lord write Rules? Is she trying to teach us something or give us a message? Did you learn anything from the book? Did the book reaffirm something you already knew?
Here’s a hint: This particular book has lots of different themes. Here’s just one (you’ll recognize it as one of The Rules): “Looking closer can make something beautiful.”
Good luck!
Check the WRL catalog for Rules
this is a great book! it teaches you to accept people for who they are
i absoutaly love this book
Hey. I read this book and I really agree with taylor it really does it’s a great book for teens.
Bye x0x0
>>///lola///<<
I can relly relate to this book. it is awesome!!!!!!!!
Glad there are a few out there who really like this book on some level…it’s one I have read to my daughter and hope that she, as she goes to middle school, will keep this story in mind and treat everyone with the care and respect that each individual deserves.
I loved it, but now I’m doing a report on it and don’t know the setting. Does anybody?
Great book!
this book is very goo it inspires me a lot and makes me want to read books about the same subject anyone who hasn’t read this needs to!!!
This is a great book some people need to read about people with disabilities because it was a gift they are here today. Never judge a book buy it’s cover that is rule we all need
lisa the setting is at home in the clinic and at her friends house
omg!this book was intence!!! loved it!!
I just read that Cynthia Lord’s new book will be released in the spring of 2009. Tentative title is Touch Blue.
ILOVE THIS BOOK
this book was really cool and so r all u ppl!!!!!!!!!!!!
Learn how to spell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XD
who like it is what i mean lol
I LOVE this book. I am 12 years old and love Cathryn and how she manages to live a normal life. I have read this book about 4 times and I NEVER get tired of it.
I just read this book and it is so true to life. It should be a must read in Junior High.
OMG!!!!!!!!!! Thats so funny!!!!!! I came to this sight to see if someone knew the setting for my book report and someone already asked people!!!!!!!!!!!!!
this book is absoluetely amazing! i loved every bit of it!
for middle school i have to do a book report about rules. i love the book but i have to read some more! i love it!!!
i need the setting for my book report too!
Hey folks– glad you’re using our site to learn more about the books you love, but no cheating, okay? If you’ve read the book, you’ll know the setting. If you haven’t, you won’t.
Now if you’ve read the book and still need some help understanding it, let us know, and we’ll do our best to help out.
the book is good i have 2 do a report on this book and this relly helpes me
i read the book and its really good but i still dont know the setting
i thought that the setting was in Maine, in June, but i might be wrong. maybe. idk.
thiss book really inspired me. its realy funny and i lovedd it. im doing a reportt and im not to sure about the setting..
i think the setting takes place the summer of cathrines 7th grade yearr =) i thnk thats prettyy gooodd =]
I really need the setting but I can’t find it either.
Just because someone read the book dosen’t mean they will automatically just memorize the setting, Jessica.
THIS BOOK IZ SO ASOME MY SISTER COULD USE THESE RULES THANKS FOR WRITTING THIZ BOOK
this is a great book
and i agree with all these people!!!!!!!!!!!
=)
I had to read this book for my childrens lit class and I loved it. It is one of the best books I have read in a long time.
Your book is the best book i’ve ever read, well my second best book i’ve ever read!!
Hey does anyone get the theme or topic?! I have a book report but I don’t know what to put down!Help! By the way, I love this book!!!!!!!!!!!
hated it
JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!
I loved the book! I thought rules was AWESOME! I can’t wait for your comming soon book!!!
the book really teaches you how it feels to live with someone who has autism.
I hope they come out with a second book!
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!
I agree that the setting is the season of summer, but no town is mentioned that I can recall. I asked my English teacher mom about that. She said there could be a good reason for not mentioning a specific town… and that was that it could take place anywhere… food for thought.
I liked the book… it read quickly and I did a book report on it. I don’t have a brother with autism, but I had a sister with Down syndrome. You can insert any disability into this book and it reads the same basically.
P.S. My sister died of a brain tumor (that’s why I said “had”.
i LOVED this book it was so good,i hope they come out with a second book, if did not like this book then ur crazyyyyy.
THIS BOOK TAUGHT ME A LOT OF THINGS IT WAS SAD BUT VERY GOOD EVERYONE WHO READS THIS SHOULD ACCEPT PEOPLE FOR WHO THEY ARE NOT WHAT THEY ARE
NO TOYS IN THE FISH TANK
OK
BRYCE I AM SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR SISTER :(
this book is ssssssssssssssssssoooooooooooooo funny
this is a really good book one of the best i have read and i can understand how catherine feels
at first it was an assighnment then turned into an obsesssion i say a sequel!!!
I also need the setting for this book. It never says. Please just someone tell me the setting, I cannot figure it out!!!
Bryce I’m so sorry. :(
i love this book and im having REPORT about it. can anyone tell me what davids charecter is like
I luv this book !!!
I love this book sooooooooooooooooo much LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
dudez this book made me cry!! i read it 3 times though!! :)
Did anyone find the state?
And bryce that is sooo sad. im sorry
i luv this book i dont know how many times I have read this i never get tired of it, oh and by the way Catherine lives in Maine
I hope touch blue is the sequel of rules, i’m sorry about your sister bryce
im doin a report and what can some pics be of jason
im doin a report and what can some pics be to represent jason
i dont really know wut u could put for jason ask ur teacher or somethin
ok bk thanks
ok bk thanks yo cool
thanks john
oh by the way for ur project u could put a pic of a wheelchair cuz jason is in one, sry thats all i could think of, hope it helps
when is ur book report due
what was Jasons disability
what was Jasons disability?
i need to know please someone answer
sorry about asking twice i didnt see the first one go up
never mind i got the answer
but i need to know what the
conflict or problem is in the
book.
P.s i also LOVE the book
the problem wuz sort of around the lines that Catherine needed to loosen up a little bit and not just put her focus on David’s disability. sry couldnt think of anything else that would help. hope that this at least helps
I’m about to finish this book and its really alot of fun reading it, it gives you alot of details of autistic children well i’m going to go back and read more bye!!!!!!!
(//_^)LOL <3
i agree with u ana it is fun to read i luv this book so much
!
This book was awefull! the characters were flat and it had an obvious ending!
What state does this take place in i’ve gone over it a bazillion times had 2 go 2 er realized book report due 2maro
the state that Rules takes place is in Maine
I agree with smexy chick this is a great book for teens.
this is such a good book omg i hate reading but i loved this book it teaches u a lesson about haveing a bro or sis with autism and understanding i love cinthy lord u rox my world omg read this book if u havent its the best book ever im doing a book report on it and im sosoosossosoo happy. ive read it 6 times its sooooooooo good
Whats the conflict in the story because i need a way to explain but Im not the type of person of explaining Im just an understanding person cuz ma friend also wants 2 no she wants 2 read it.so im trying to explain 2 her.
This site has a lot of good information about the book it cleared a lot of things up for me when i had to do my report
Click to access Rules-Reiff.pdf
This book was very eye opening
what page does the author write that it is set in Maine?
i personaly hate it im sorry but i dont like it one bit but thats cuz im in da 6th grade and hhate readin
the auther says the setting when they are at his appointment and the receptionist is on the phone and she is trying to order something
WHAT IS THE STATE………ANYONE KNOW?
As Kelly points out, on page 115, the receptionist at the clinic is ordering hearing aid batteries on the phone and seems to indicate that they would be shipped to Maine, presumably where the clinic is located.
Barry
Awesome so far
peepz dny freek out the setting iz her house, the clinic,and her friends house.
(memmber dnt judge a book by its cover like some ppl n be fair to everyone like they are to u treat the others the way u want 2 be treated! PEACE OUT
*kiimz*luvs her homies!
this book is the greatest so far i learned that im just coping off the website
kids im sin 6th grade and i dont like the story eaither just needed to say the setting thats all! I HATE THE BOOK RULES that was soo boring OMGG!!!
how cn you hate the book? its so eye opening!
I had to do a book report on it too
g
Do any other books have the same theme as the book Rules has?
i willy do agree with all thiz peepz i iz a really awsomme book and doez teach u too accept peepz who they are
if you are doing a report this is some stuff that will help you…. title: rule setting: home, clinic and friends house, main characters David and Catherine, Problem David has autism and his sister catherine cant find a way to be a normal gal…. EVENTS: catherine meets jason in clinic, Jason can only communicate with his book, Catherine goes over rules with david, a girl moves next door and catherine wants to be friends with her but is worried david will mess it up……………… solution Catherin realizes that you cant be normal….. I DID THIS AND I GOT AN A BY MY COMMUNICATIONS TEACHER!
ASHBASH101:) feels that it was more than great:)
it was wonderful:) like me:) get like me! stunn stunn is a habbit, get get like me fools!:)
The setting is on the coast of Maine, present day!
Oh my gosh I loved this book! It tought me so much about life and I think everyone should read it!
Awesome book and now i am doing a report on it and need the following: Exposition, Rising action, Climax, Falling Ation, and the resolution…..Help!
I am ready the book right now and i love it. Now I have to do a book report on it. Wish me luck:)
wat is the setting
i hate this book so much it sucks bloop ady bleep blop
can someone help me. im doing a report on this book i read it and i absoulutly loved it! i know the problem is like that cathrine is scared that her new neibor wont like her cause her little brother has autisum but whats the solution…..please help
New book by Cynthia Lord is out (August 17, 2010). The title is Touch Blue.
I know it’s been almost 3 years since my original review and I’m happy that most of your enjoyed this title…I hope we are all equally excited to read the new book.
Quick Summary from Amazon.com
The state of Maine plans to shut down her island’s schoolhouse, which would force Tess’s family to move to the mainland–and Tess to leave the only home she has ever known. Fortunately, the islanders have a plan too: increase the numbers of students by having several families take in foster children. So now Tess and her family are taking a chance on Aaron, a thirteen-year-old trumpet player who has been bounced from home to home. And Tess needs a plan of her own–and all the luck she can muster. Will Tess’s wish come true or will her luck run out?
Newbery Honor author Cynthia Lord offers a warm-hearted, humorous, and thoughtful look at what it means to belong–and how lucky we feel when we do. Touch Blue, sure as certain, will touch your heart.
I am in 6th grade, and I read this book! I thought it was awesome. I loved the story and right now I am doing a book project on it.
WOW!!!!!! Thats The Words That Came Up In My Head.
Wow This Is The Best Book Ever And I Am Not Exzagerating. I Hate Books But i luuuuvvvvv this 1
OMGGG!!
I sooo agree with ya! <3
what was the color of the shingled house?
Whats the setting?
I loved this book!
loved it
when and where does the stroy take place?
I’m only 8 but this is the BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT BOOK EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
I’m only 8 but this is the BEST BOOK EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the book pretty good 1 of faves but i need it online!!!!!!! and btw HEY BRYCE SHOUTOUT: u had a atitude about ur sister so i have no comment except this: i love you bryce’s little sister ur my BEST FRIEND
This is totally awesome book
i love your book iv read it at least 20 times no joke iv been reading it ever since i was 6 and now im 15 i just love it that much
its very hard to wright a novel study on this book
this book relates to people out their in the real world. i mean if i could i would send a person who thinks everything is a joke to read this book and make them understand. i think that it will change the personality of the person and make them understand that some things are not to be laughed at. that is how powerfull and strong this book could be…
you rock Cynthia Lord… cant wait to read Touch Blue…..
i think i found the answer to why the book is called rules…. Do you know how people say do not judge a book by its cover? well you to shouldnt judge a person by its outter looks. this goes for David, & Jason in this book but also in real life to people that take therapy for what they have. or for how they act… the rule is that..
i love this book it makes me wanna cry be who you r dont be afraid to show yourself!
This book is a lesson. the main Idea is that catherine doesn’t need to give all of her attention to David. They (catherine and David) need to have freedom of their own. She need to let David discover whats right and wrong on his own. Catherine also needs to understand that David is going to make mistakes through his life time, but also needs to understand that David is capable of learning on his own even when he has Autism
i read the book a year ago and now can’t remember a main event for my essay does any body have any :(
Can anyone tell me where this story took place? I am doing a book report and I don’t remember the setting? I thought it was Maine but I am not sure. Please Help Thanks
does anyone know the chapter that ryan wont give david the gum please hlp becuase im doing a book report and it is due tomorrow
This book was so good i loved it becuz it teaches you life lesons,.and Jessica your wrong they cant memorize the whole book and number 1.Look through the book and see if any clues are in there. nuber 2.if you cant find it go look it up on the Internet or ask a friend. number 3. And if none of your friends or it doesnt say it in the book or internet ask your teacher and explain that you cant find it…. so i dont agree Jessica Doesnt mean that your dumb and you feel embarresed just remember if you dont have anything good to say dont say it..because some people can get hurt that way….if they need help then they need help….it cant just pop in your head for most students…..i didnt barley read the book but im reading it now and it isnt half bad….i mean its not the best book alive ive seen better……thats my opinion to you it can be….thanks so much and any questions ask me
Really good book!! <3
The book Rules really relates to my life a lot, I loved this book.:):):):)
Could you image that if they are brothers? Or they are aging? Treat this story as an old memory is better for family.
SOMEONE HELP ME!!!!! I NEED TO KNOW WHAT COLOR CATHERTINE’S GUNEA PIGS ARE FOR A PROJECT!!!!!
nevermind meerrrrheerrr
loved it. :)
i would be lying if i said i didnt like this book! ;)
What are some foreshadowing moments in the book
Im doing a project and i dont know the conflict……can anyone help?????????????:D
Hey I’m doin a project on rules and I can’t find a theme. PLEASE HELP!!!
Dont be afraid of what people will think
This book is awesome!!!!!!!!!!! I love it by the way if u guys need help with a project go to http://www.lesliepreddy.com/yhba/08-09/Intermediate/Rules-Reiff.pdf it really helps i used it 4 my book report
What city does Catherine live in
how would you describe kristi’s?
At Bryce I feel so bad for you. Your loss must have been very hard to take. I just recently had an uncle die because he had a disease tha was eating away at the organs in his stomach. He was living off of machines and my family dicided that it wasn’t the way he wanted to live and dicided to le him go. I didnt take this very well and was crying for like a whole week😪
i am in love with this book!!!!! lol
What an amazing book
What are some problems and solutions in the book because I read the book and I can only find 1 plz help
this book really is good it teaches you not to judge people for there disabilities
in the book… what disability does Jason have?
Good Job! <3
Hi
loved this book so inspiring