Rules by Cynthia Lord

Catherine just wants to be normal and for her brother, David, to follow rules like everyone else does. She feels weighed down by the fact that her brother is autistic, constantly fearing that he will embarrass her. But, through and unlikely friendship that is made at her brother's therapy sessions, Catherine learns that everyone is different and that learning to accept people's differences can be a pretty awesome thing. 

 Lord, C. (2006). Rules. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

1. Evaluation Criteria

This novel meets the criteria for contemporary realistic fiction through theme and setting. The “search for an independent identity” is exemplified in the complex relationship between Catherine and her brother, David. This search connects with young readers as many are experiencing the same quest. She wants so much to be separate from David’s complications, but realizes that he is PART of her identity. In regards to setting, Rules is set in an average town on a quiet, suburban street where kids meet for the bus together, swim in the lake during the summer, and become fearful of school dances. Young readers can both identify the characters as realistic in their setting, as well as transcend the setting to see themselves in the same situations.