Scan barcode
A review by bug_lightyear
Rules by Cynthia Lord
Read in 10:40 at 0.65 speed
Second read, first as paper book second as audiobook. I enjoyed this book, especially Jason who is a non-verbal kid using a communication book and needs word cards to have the words he needs to communicate. I like that Catherine gives him "bad" words that help him express his frustrations. Catherine is a nice friend to him, taking him on small adventures and needs her rules she writes for her brother but seems to rely on them herself too.
However I read some reviews from other autistic/neurodivergent readers and it's true that David, the autistic brother, is mostly presented as an embarrassing nuisance which is definitely not good representation and particularly not a book to put in the hands of young autistic readers.
The story can be a bit saviour-y as Catherine, presented as non-disabled (but could be undiagnosed high masking low support needs autistic?) is praised for being friends and helping a disabled kid who is about her age or older, and does end up hurting him.
Second read, first as paper book second as audiobook. I enjoyed this book, especially Jason who is a non-verbal kid using a communication book and needs word cards to have the words he needs to communicate. I like that Catherine gives him "bad" words that help him express his frustrations. Catherine is a nice friend to him, taking him on small adventures and needs her rules she writes for her brother but seems to rely on them herself too.
However I read some reviews from other autistic/neurodivergent readers and it's true that David, the autistic brother, is mostly presented as an embarrassing nuisance which is definitely not good representation and particularly not a book to put in the hands of young autistic readers.
The story can be a bit saviour-y as Catherine, presented as non-disabled (but could be undiagnosed high masking low support needs autistic?) is praised for being friends and helping a disabled kid who is about her age or older, and does end up hurting him.