Playing by the Rules: A Story about Autism

2007 Moonbeam Award Winner: Childhood Wellness Category, Silver Medal

When a long-distance relative comes for a visit, Jody and her brother Josh, who has autism, find themselves teaching Great Aunt Tilda the rules of the games they like to play. Josh loves Animal Sounds Bingo, but not with new people. Jody's delighted to have an adult to herself and gets out a game of her own, but Josh keeps interrrupting. Will Jody never win?

As the story progresses, Josh slowly warms up to Aunt Tilda as Jody helps her to understand her brother. But, as with many board games, the rules of autism are complicated. Still, through Jody's humor, complaints, exuberance, and wisdom, Playing by the Rules shows how siblings of children with autism bridge the gap of understanding between their brothers or sisters and other people.

With colorful, cartoon-like illustrations, Playing by the Rules is a funny, realistic story of having to tolerate interruptions and less attention because of a sibling's special needs. But as with all siblings, Josh and Jody's relationship is also positive and loving--most of the time!

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