Rules by Cynthia Lord (Grades 3-5)
Catherine's brother, David, is autistic. Catherine loves her brother, but she is also embarrassed by his behavior. Catherine creates rules to help David understand what is right and wrong with his behavior. Then accompanying David, to his therapy sessions, Catherine meets and befriends Jason, a nonverbal paraplegic who tries to overcome his disabilities by using a book of pictures to communicate. Overcoming disabilities requires a special kind of courage. Overcoming people's attitudes or prejudice requires even more. Look through the pages of the St. Petersburg Times to find an example of courage. Read the article and highlight the sentences that show the courage of the person. Share the sentence you have underlined and your reasons for selecting this article by clicking on the blog link.
Book chat: Did you enjoy reading this book? Can you relate to the characters? Have you ever had to overcome other people’s attitudes? Share your thoughts about this book with other students by clicking on the link.
I read the book rules and I loved it. When I found out Cathrine's friend Jason was deaf I felt so bad but then I thought about it...? Then I remembered it was just a story! She is very kind and caring to her brother. I loved that book I wish I could read it again!
Posted by: C.Q, Ms. Nimphius 3rd grade class, Lealman Elementary | November 04, 2008 at 09:06 PM
I read this book last year and thought it was okay.
My teacher has just begun it and I look forward to hearing it again.
Posted by: D.P. Mr. Turner's 5th Grade Class, Sanderlin Elementary | November 06, 2008 at 02:07 PM
A wonderful book over all! I almost felt as if I was in the book, watching the characters and events. Cynthia Lord made me feel as if David, Catherine, and Jason were real. So much detail, I couldn't put the book down for a day! I ate my dinner with the book propped up on a bowl!
Posted by: Jessica B. Symmes Elementary 4th Grade | November 13, 2008 at 07:14 PM
i like you because you name rules that tell you that how to act right and it is funny. this is what i like i am going to tell you RESPCT is my word and i read this book when i dont act right. and i all was will act right bye /bye
Posted by: tacarra royal 3rd grad | December 02, 2008 at 09:57 AM
i like you because you name rules that tell you that how to act right and it is funny. this is what i like i am going to tell you RESPCT is my word and i read this book when i dont act right. and i all was will act right bye /bye
Posted by: tacarra royal 3rd grad | December 02, 2008 at 09:58 AM
I like this book our teacher is reading it to us and it is and good book. :)
Posted by: J.K 5th grade | January 13, 2009 at 02:08 PM
i love this book.
Posted by: lk | January 21, 2009 at 03:21 PM
I love the book rules, you should read it to.
Posted by: L.E.K fourth grade southern oak miss hensily | January 21, 2009 at 03:32 PM
I loved this book! I think it shows kindness. Catherine made carads for Jason because he was deaf. He uses the cards to commuicate with others.
Posted by: BNF 5th Gr. Mrs. Schuler So. Oak El. | January 22, 2009 at 01:32 PM
I love the book rules.because it tells you a story about a interesting girl named Catherine she is always trying to help. I just love the part when she is pushing a boy named Jason around the parking lot in his wheelchair,and the way the author describes what is happening. It makes me feel like i am there pushing Jason around the parking lot.
Posted by: k.l.r 5th mrs.schuler so.oak.el. | January 23, 2009 at 12:38 PM
This book was wonderful!!It taught me a lesson about always be who you are!!! The way she pushed Jason in the wheelchair that felt like I should do it to someone!!! Anyone should read this book it was really wonderful! I am going to tell ALL of my friends about this book because it means never to judge a person by it's cover!! I LOVE this book you should really read this book you will fall in love with it!!!
Posted by: M.K | January 30, 2009 at 01:37 PM
I agree that catherine loves her brother but he can be annoying.I loved this book so much, when I read the first sentence I couldn't put it down!!!! If you're looking for a great book choose Rules!!!! You'll be glad you did:)
Posted by: KR | February 12, 2009 at 01:35 PM
I agree that catherine loves her brother but he can be annoying.I loved this book so much, when I read the first sentence I couldn't put it down!!!! If you're looking for a great book choose Rules!!!! You'll be glad you did:)
Posted by: KR | February 12, 2009 at 01:36 PM
I loved tis book cause of david. Is al ways say no toys in the fish tank, going to some ones home and opening doors. And saying rules at aother people home.
Posted by: julian | February 12, 2009 at 02:20 PM
I loved this book! I wish there was a secquel! I liked the book beacause Cathrine was kind and she showed kindness to Jason.
Posted by: Caroline | February 12, 2009 at 08:10 PM
i love rules!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: alex | February 13, 2009 at 10:29 AM
This book is a wonderful book that warms the haert and a book you want to read again and again!!!
Posted by: Shayna r | February 13, 2009 at 10:39 AM
David is an eight year old kid who isen't normal.he has been having autistics since birth and HAS A NORMAL SISTER WHO DOSEN'T FEEL NORMAL.
Posted by: SF | February 13, 2009 at 01:35 PM
i love rules but i thout that cristy would not use davids sister. at the end of the story was lame.
Posted by: alex r. | February 17, 2009 at 01:44 PM
Rules Is a good book. It tells you about the life of a girl named cathrine and her autistic brother david that is all I should say and it is ba good book.
Posted by: kealan sullivan | February 18, 2009 at 02:13 PM
I thought the book Rules was very interesting. I thought it was funny how the author including quotes from the books Frog & Toad. My teacher read our class this book and we learned alot! :)
Posted by: L.M., Ms. Serio's Class, Fourth Grade, Summerfield Crossings Elementary | February 20, 2009 at 10:51 AM
I love the book "Rules" I thought it was so sweet when Cathrine danced with Jason that was so cute!Also the sad part was when Jason Got mad at Catrine for not going to the dance with him.I also want a sequel to this book,I hope it would be BETTER!Also I hope David can be normal.That would be ab awesome movie.I would want to be Cathrine.Hope you LOVE this BOOK!
Posted by: RM | February 27, 2009 at 01:39 PM
I loved this book but I thought it was so nice when Cathrine gave Jason his guitar.I thought it was niced when Cathrine was danced with Jason so he wowuldnt be left out.This would be an awesome movie!!!!!!!I HOPE cATHRINE TEACHES dAVID HOW TO BECOME A LITTLE BIT MORE NORMAL.
Posted by: TD | February 27, 2009 at 01:40 PM
Myfavorite battle of the book is rules!It is a great battle of the book with lots of authors crafts.I like the part when David say's,"Notoys in the fish tank"and Catherine finds a barbie doll in the fish tank.It was funny!
Posted by: IAC fishHawk creek elamantary | March 20, 2009 at 08:06 AM
Myfavorite battle of the book is rules!It is a great book with lots of authors crafts.Ithink it is funny when David say's,"No toys in the fish tank"and Catherine finds a barbie doll in the fish tank.It was funny!
Posted by: S.N. fishHawk creek elamantary | March 20, 2009 at 08:11 AM