by Cynthia Lord
First published 2006
Catherine has spent years creating rules for her brother David. "A peach is not a funny-looking apple." "Keep your pants on in public." She writes them down, hoping to prevent his next embarrassing moment. At twelve, Catherine dreams of a normal family life, but everything centers around David's autism instead. This summer brings changes. Jason, a boy who uses a communication board and wheelchair, starts visiting the occupational therapy clinic where David goes. Next door, Kristi moves in. She's exactly the kind of friend Catherine has always wanted. Catherine finds herself drawn to both new relationships, but her own choices surprise her most of all. When Catherine's behavior shocks even herself, she must confront a difficult question. She has taught David countless rules about fitting in and acting normal. Now she wonders what normal really means. The rules she has lived by may not be the ones that matter most.
Genres: fiction, family-life, contemporary, young-adult
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, social-issues
208 pages · Hardcover · Scholastic Press