Age rating and parents' guide:Rules
by Cynthia Lord
Ages 9–14
Rules by Cynthia Lord is best for children aged 9–14. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language.
Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life, which feels impossible with her younger brother David, who has autism. She creates lists of rules for David to help him navigate the world, but her own life gets complicated over the summer. While trying to impress a popular new girl next door, Catherine befriends Jason, a nonverbal boy who uses a communication book. This warm, thoughtful story explores the challenges and deep bonds of family, helping readers reflect on acceptance, disability, and what it truly means to be normal.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- None
- Scary moments
- None
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Novel
- A steady start that picks up quickly
- Mostly text
- Emotionally light
Great for kids who like
- Animals
Reading mood
- Thoughtful
Good to talk about
- Family
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