Characters
The main character and narrator of the story?
Catherine
Where does Catherine always go to visit with Jason?
Occupational Therapy
What POV is the story being told from?
1st person; Catherine
What disease does David have?
Autism
How does the story begin?
Catherine describes her life living with her brother and how difficult it is for her. She is waiting for new neighbors to move in.
How is David related to Catherine?
Autistic brother.
Where does David always like to go?
The video store.
Why does Catherine make rules for David?
Since David has autism, he doesn't know how to act properly in public. These rules help David remember how to act in certain situations.
What was the name of Cynthia Lord's first book?
Rules
What trouble arises in the book with Jason? What trouble arises with Kristi?
Kristi and Jason get mad at Catherine for not wanting to go to the dance.
Who is Jason?
He is a friend from Occupational Therapy. He's friendly and normal.
Where does Catherine's dad work?
The pharmacy
How does Catherine's point of view affect the way the events in the story are told?
Because the story is told from Catherine's POV we understand more of Catherine's personal feelings.
Describe the frequency and common symptoms of autism.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior.
Why does Catherine feel left out and unwanted?
Catherine's parents pay much more attention to her younger brother, David, because he has autism.
Who is Kristi?
Kristi is Catherine's new next door neighbor.
What time of year is it throughout the book?
Summer.
How is the theme of art used throughout the book?
To write cards, for Catherine to express herself.
What does Kristi wish for at the pond?
She is wishing for her parents to be back together
Why will Catherine never have the opportunity to live a normal life?
Her brother, David, often interferes with her social life and prevents her family from going on vacations, to an amusement park, etc.
Describe Catherine's Dad.
He is a caring father but he's never on time.
Where does Catherine's best friend Melissa spend her summers?
California
What does Catherine probably learn about the way she should treat people?
She learns that it doesn't matter if someone has ailments or diseases that make them different - friends are people who are nice to you and enjoy your company.
What does David break near the end of the book that Catherine calls their father to get him to replace it?
A tape cassette of frog and toad
Why are Catherine's hopes crushed when Kristi moves in next door?
Catherine was hoping she and Kristi would become friends. However, Kristi is one of the "popular" teenagers, having very little time to spare for someone like Catherine.