Rules Are Rules, by Julie Scandora, is a writer's response after discovering she had a pedophile in her family. While this book does not directly deal with the issue, the story is meant to give children tools for handling difficult situations.

Scandora first decided she was an artist as a child growing up in Milwaukee. Children were not always paid attention to in those days, so she found a way of self-expression through artistic endeavors. At Smith, Scandora's choice for higher education, the decision as to a major was clear: art. She wisely made English and math her minors.

She can write about the subjects she wants to make into a book. I'm guessing she also learned how to count both pages required and royalties made, but I digress.

Professional ambitions were soon set aside in order to raise her family. Books read on parenting and behavior of children came in handy when she entered the teaching field. One idea came to mind over and over, that kids need respect. This led into sending letters to various publishing entities. In time, she had more than a few chances to conduct workshops on what had become her passion.

In Rules Are Rules, Maya is a plucky young girl who is not happy with one of the rules of the household. Specifically, she is required to kiss a certain relative who drops by from time to time. There's nothing wrong with that, unless you happen to be the child who isn't pleased with the situation.

Readers follow along as Maya stomps out her frustration in a nearby forest. Woodland creatures are alarmed, and run for cover. The angry young girl soon settles down and tries to rationally consider her dilemma. It helps a bit when her neighbor finds Maya and asks about her problem.

In the end, Maya finds a solution that works for everyone. Aunt Trudy gets to feel important during those times when she stops in for a visit. Maya is able to acknowledge their relationship without having to be untrue to herself. Best of all, her parents are willing to listen to their daughter's side without throwing a fit.

Did Scandora accomplish her objective? I'm not sure. The goal was to write a book so children had a way to be safe. Maya was never in any real danger from Aunt Trudy. Police were never called in to arrest anyone.

Still, the techniques are useful. Figure out what the dilemma entails and work out an answer that fits.