Bookverdict.com

Gr 9-Up Werlin tackles the topic of child abuse with grace and insight. Narrated by 17-year-old Matt as a letter to his youngest sister, Emmy, "The Rules of Survival" is his effort to come to terms with the vicious treatment he and his two sisters suffered at the hands of Nikki, their beautiful and unpredictable mother. One of Matt -s early memories involves getting up during the night to sneak a cookie back to bed and being caught by his mother. Giggling and yelling -Cookie thief, - she ...Log In or Sign Up to Read More

Seventeen-year-old Matt writes an extended letter to his youngest sister Emmy, recalling their childhood with Nikki, their sadistic and mentally disturbed mother. Early in the novel, Matt (then thirteen) witnesses a man stepping between a small boy and his abusive father and decides that he needs someone like that to protect him and his two sisters from Nikki. Detective work and luck win t...Log In or Sign Up to Read More