Rules / Cynthia Lord / 200 pages

This book first published in 2006 still rings fresh and true.  Catherine, a 12 year old girl, with an autistic younger brother yearns for a life where she can have friends and not worry about her brother doing anything to ruin the friendship.  Lord effectively portrays the pressure that is placed upon parents and siblings to cope with have a special needs child in the family but she also provides hope, humor, and understanding of the blessings of being part of such a family.  This is a great book.  I listened to the audiobook and think it would be a fantastic book to listen to as a family.  It would certainly inspire much discussion and empathy.