Honest story with a touching ending for ALL ages

What made the experience of listening to Rules the most enjoyable?

All of it - it was well written, beautifully narrated, and highly relatable.

What other book might you compare Rules to and why?

It is very unique - I can't think think of any comparable books.

Which scene was your favorite?

The running scene, the dance, and the ending were all awesome.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

No toys in the fishtank, and no apologies for existing; those are the rules.

Any additional comments?

I was the forgotten older sister of a brother with learning disabilities. I am a proud Mom of (2)Aspies (1)mild-moderatly autistic and (1)neurotypical kids (who are each fascinating), a prior Sign-Language interpreter, and a current Vocational Rehab provider (Like an OT but concentrating on work skills, rather than daily living skills).
This was a gratifying and reaffirming story. I could see myself, my parents, my brother, my kids, and my previous customers who use communication boards in these situations. The technical description of the use of the communication book were accurate. Even if the English word weren't given, I would have known which signs were being used from the descriptions. Many of the books/materials I used during my Deaf Studies / Interpreter Training classes in college fell far short of the descriptions in this book. Getting the technical details right is important to me - it lends credibility to the story. This book touched on so many of the 'unique' experiences in my life, and remained realistic. Attitudes that evolved over decades for me were reflected beautifully. The last line in the book will stay with me as I guide my own kids.
Don't hesitate, this book has a lot to show you; you will very likely be a better person after listening to it. Seriously. This should be required reading/listening in every school - from elementary school through college.

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7 people found this helpful

A Necessary Read

I use this for a read-aloud each year to my Grade 8's. Such important messages in this book. Having taught special needs students before, this connects with me deeply to the point that I'm able to share my own experiences with kids like David and Jason. I find that I like to actually read it myself because I emphasize Jason's "touching" in his binder of words as an effect. The book is on my Mac for my struggling readers to enjoy during the year. You must read this - and get this - if you teach middle-schoolers.

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7 people found this helpful

Loved it. Very heart warming.

Listened to this book at the recommendation of my 10 year old daughter. Story pulled at hear strings on a couple of occasions. Well written and worth your time.

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4 people found this helpful

great book

This is a great book!It realy teaches you a lesson about special need kids!You should realy listento it.

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I wish all would understand this message

I got this book to help some children who were assigned this as their summer reading. What I got was more than I expected, insight and understanding. I have a friend with an autistic child and I have learned to work with him and accept his rules (before the book). In return I have felt the love and joy of a friendship with my young friend.

The book was written at a level that the children I was helping would understand. It was written very well and if the readers will allow it, the book will change their perspectives of others. It will allow them to be less judgmental and less concerned with what others think of them and their friendships. I applaud the author and her work and hope that many people will read and appreciate this work.

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3 people found this helpful

This book is geared for older kids/young teens

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Wish it had delved a little deeper into what is driving the behavior of children on the autism spectrum and I wish it had included some humor that would hit a note with adults (not just preteen/teen readers).

Would you be willing to try another book from Cynthia Lord? Why or why not?

Probably not.

What about Jessica Almasy’s performance did you like?

Her voice really did sound like that of a youth. Made it easier to imagine that her words were the thoughts of an older sister.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Probably so -- not so much for my entertainment but I could see myself taking my 9-year-old son with autism to see as well (he's high-functioning) and his twin brother who is neuro-typical. The story line is written to entertain a kid more than an adult but I love the message it sends. It's a good book so I'm sure it would make a good movie too.

Any additional comments?

I have always enjoyed listening/reading books where one of the characters is on the spectrum -- it's not only interesting to see how the characters compare to my son but most of these books have provided me with insight into how the individual might think and feel. Things I might not have considered before. This is very helpful to me. This book, though, was clearly meant to entertain an pre-teen/adolescent reader -- NOT an adult. I wanted to get into it, I really did; yet it was hard to do. This said, I have decided to load the book onto my 9-year-old son's ipod (he's the twin brother of my son with autism) so he could listen to it. It sends a positive message and I feel like it is a great book for siblings of special needs kids.

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2 people found this helpful

Funny and complex

This book has some hilarious parts, clever parts, and even some sad parts. I think that this book is absolutely brilliant and great.

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Hmmmm

Not quite certain if I liked it or not. It was just ok. I expected a little more. The ending needed something. It just dragged on. The idea had good intentions. I just wanted more.

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Terrible

I don't really like the way that the story went, but the reader is an amazing reader. The story is so sad and weird and it doesn't even have a good ending.

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One of my all time favorites..

This story hasn't left me. I took the characters as my own. Loved the book.

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