Rules (Scholastic Gold)
by Cynthia Lord
Scholastic Inc. 2013
Easy read — content targets 4th–8th grade
Reading level 3.9 (3rd grade) but themes aimed at ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- family
- acceptance
- autism and neurodiversity
- friendship
- identity
- empathy
- communication
- responsibility
About this book
Twelve-year-old Catherine longs for an ordinary life, but that feels out of reach while helping her younger brother, who has autism, navigate the world with a list of carefully made rules. A new summer friendship challenges what Catherine thinks about normal, belonging, and herself. With warmth and humor, the story invites readers to consider different ways people communicate and connect. Perfect for middle-grade readers who enjoy heartfelt, true-to-life stories about family and friendship.
Setting: a contemporary small-town community, present day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rules (Scholastic Gold) right for my child?
It depends — here's what to consider for Rules (Scholastic Gold). The reading level is AR 3.9, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include family, acceptance, autism and neurodiversity.
How long does it take to read Rules (Scholastic Gold)?
At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Rules (Scholastic Gold) takes around 4.0h to finish. The book has 32,000 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does Rules (Scholastic Gold) have an AR quiz?
Yes — Rules (Scholastic Gold) has an AR quiz available, worth 4 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is Rules (Scholastic Gold)?
Rules (Scholastic Gold) has an AR reading level of 3.9, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.