Where to Start with Cynthia Lord
Cynthia Lord is celebrated for her sensitive, warm, and highly engaging children's literature. Because her work spans multiple age groups—ranging from playful picture books to deep, emotional middle-grade novels—the best starting point depends entirely on the reader's age and reading level.
- For Middle-Grade Readers (Ages 8-12): Start with Rules (2006). As her debut novel, it won a Newbery Honor and the Schneider Family Book Award. It is widely considered her masterpiece and perfectly showcases her ability to tackle complex, emotional themes with gentle humor and real-world authenticity.
- For Early Chapter Book Readers (Ages 6-9): Start with Jelly Bean (2014), the first book in the Shelter Pet Squad series, or Ivy Lost and Found (2021), which kicks off the Book Buddies series. Both offer highly relatable, illustrated stories about empathy and friendship.
- For Young Readers and Preschoolers: Start with the original picture book Hot Rod Hamster (2010), a fast-paced, rhyming adventure that invites kids to make choices along with the characters.
Cynthia Lord's Standalone Middle-Grade Novels
Cynthia Lord's middle-grade novels are completely standalone. They do not share characters, settings, or continuous storylines, meaning you can read them in any order. However, reading them in publication order is a wonderful way to experience the evolution of her storytelling. Each novel draws deeply from Lord's own life experiences—from living on the Maine coast to raising a child with autism.
Rules (2006)
Twelve-year-old Catherine loves her brother David, but his autism makes life complicated. To help him navigate the world, Catherine writes a list of 'rules' (like 'No toys in the fish tank' or 'If someone says hi, you say hi back'). When Catherine meets Jason, a nonverbal boy who uses a communication book, and Kristi, a cool new neighbor, she begins to re-evaluate what 'normal' truly means. This touchstone novel offers a beautifully honest look at family dynamics and belonging.
Touch Blue (2010)
Set on a small, windswept Maine island, this novel follows eleven-year-old Tess Brooks. When the state threatens to close the island's one-room schoolhouse due to falling enrollment, the local families hatch a plan to take in foster children. Tess is excited to welcome thirteen-year-old Aaron, but she quickly realizes that blending a new family takes more than luck and superstition.
Half a Chance (2014)
Lucy's father is a famous photographer, and Lucy wants to follow in his footsteps. When her family moves to a lake in New Hampshire, Lucy enters a photography contest judged anonymously by her father. Through the lens of her camera, Lucy captures the summer's quiet moments, navigating new friendships and the poignant realities of her neighbor's grandmother, who is struggling with dementia.
A Handful of Stars (2015)
Set in a small town in Maine during the blueberry harvest, this story follows Lily and Salma. Lily is trying to raise money to save her blind dog's eyesight, while Salma is the daughter of migrant workers who visit the town every summer. When Salma decides to enter the local blueberry queen pageant, the two girls form a deep bond that challenges local prejudices and explores the true meaning of friendship.
Because of the Rabbit (2019)
On the last night of summer, Emma and her father rescue a small pet rabbit stuck in a fence. Emma, who has been homeschooled her entire life, is about to start public school. Her rescue bunny, Lapi, becomes her anchor as she navigates the difficult, confusing social landscape of fifth grade and learns what it means to be a true friend.
Home Away from Home (2023)
Mia is excited to spend the summer with her grandmother in Maine, hoping everything will be exactly as she remembers. Instead, she finds herself competing with a local boy named Cayman for her grandmother's attention and working to protect a rare, injured golden eagle. It is a story about adjusting to change, finding common ground, and learning to let go.
The Book Buddies Series
The Book Buddies series features charming, illustrated chapter books written for readers transitioning into longer chapter books. The premise centers on a library's toy-lending program where children can check out toys just like books. Each story highlights how a specific toy helps a child deal with a real-life challenge.
- Ivy Lost and Found (2021) – Ivy, a toy doll who wishes for a grand adventure, is checked out by a girl struggling to adapt to her new blended family.
- Marco Polo Brave Explorer (2022) – Marco Polo, a tiny felt mouse, helps a young boy step outside his comfort zone and make new friends.
- Dazzle Makes a Wish (2022) – Dazzle, a sparkly toy unicorn, helps a girl named Maya navigate the challenges of making new friends.
- Roger Takes a Chance (2024) – Roger, a small toy chick, must find the courage to go on an adventure away from his mother, Olive the hen.
The Shelter Pet Squad Series
Designed for readers aged 6 to 10, the Shelter Pet Squad series follows Suzannah, a girl who is too young to adopt a pet but volunteers at a local animal shelter. Alongside a group of friends, she works to find the perfect homes for animals in need. These books emphasize empathy, community, and animal care.
- Jelly Bean (2014) – Suzannah meets a guinea pig named Jelly Bean and goes on a mission to find him the perfect family.
- Merlin (2015) – The squad tries to help find a home for a clever, escape-artist ferret named Merlin.
- Paloma (2016) – Suzannah bonds with a rescue puppy named Paloma and learns the difficult but rewarding lesson of letting go when a pet is adopted.
The Hot Rod Hamster Series
This series of picture books and Level 2 early readers features a speed-loving hamster. Known for its rhyming text and interactive questions, the series encourages children to choose wheels, helmets, and colors as the hamster prepares for various races.
- Hot Rod Hamster (2010)
- Happy Birthday Hamster (2011)
- Monster Truck Mania! (2014)
- Hot Rod Hamster and the Wacky Whatever Race! (2014)
- Hot Rod Hamster and the Awesome ATV Adventure! (2015)
- Hot Rod Hamster and the Haunted Halloween Party! (2015)
- Hot Rod Hamster and the Very Best Prize (2016)
- Hot Rod Hamster Meets His Match! (2016)
Non-Fiction Companion Books
Borrowing Bunnies: A Surprising True Tale of Fostering Rabbits (2019)
Published alongside Because of the Rabbit, this nonfiction picture book features real-life photographs taken by Cynthia Lord's husband, John Bald. It tells the true story of their family fostering two Netherland Dwarf rabbits, Benjamin and Peggotty. While it is a picture book rather than a novel, it is a perfect companion piece to Because of the Rabbit, showing the real-world experiences that inspired Emma's fictional story.