The Rules: Trust No One

by Robert C. Tabb

Toby Oliver, a sarcastic twelve-year-old boy, hates bridges, boxes, being the new kid, and moving. So when his family’s latest move brings him to Ciferin, he sees it as just another link in an unending chain of frustrating relocations. But Ciferin is not an ordinary town. After all, most other towns have kids, seasons other than summer, teachers that answer questions, and people who talk to each other. Toby thinks he and his younger brother Kevin might have found some clues to the town’s past when they stumble across a silver box in the creek behind their house. But what do the three keys go to? Where did the old pocket watch come from? And what should they do with the list of rules? The one thing Toby is certain of is that he will have no trouble following rule number Trust No One.

152 pages, Paperback

First published July 10, 2007

About the author

A transplanted Oregonian and elementary school teacher, writing gives my imagination and story telling a greater outlet.

When I visit schools to talk to students about reading, writing, and following their dreams, I often get asked what is my favorite part about being an author. My answer: revising and talking to kids.

I have a wonderful wife and two crazy kids. In addition to the three of them, I love sports, Survivor, day dreaming, reading, and traveling (although I hate parking).

Reviews

[J-Lynn Van Pelt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had an interesting appeal; the writing style pulled me in to the mysterious town of Ciferin, Virginia. I loved the main character Toby who, like most preteens, was a sarcastic pessimist. Growing up as a military brat, I could relate to his hatred of boxes and fear of being the new kid; I understood the thick skin that he learned to develop in order to protect himself. I liked how his character matures as the book progresses and finds himself living the life he always wished for. His plucky little brother, Kevin, is equally amusing and an excellent balance to Toby's angst.

On their first day in Ciferin, the boys find a mysterious box that starts them on a fantastical quest. But, most of the book, Toby isn't completely convinced that there is anything magical about the weird town or its reclusive people. The book chronicles the boys' growth over the course of 9 months, but the mystery doesn't really pick up until the last handful of chapters.

The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger in that not many of the readers' questions are answered in this book. Even what the characters decide to do about their new gift could be confusing unless the young reader is paying close attention. This book is the first in a continuing series, but I found myself wanting more hints about the overall mystery and more answers to some of the twists and turns to be addressed in this book. I will be interested to see what happens to Ciferin in the remaining books.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is interestingly different. Twelve-year old Toby moves with his family to a new town. Toby has become tired of the many moves of his family, always being the new kid, not having time to develop friendships. Along with his younger brother Kevin Toby begins to realize there are some very strange things about this new town of Ciferin. Strange enough to seem a bit creepy. Since this is mentioned on the back cover I'm not giving too much away by saying they realize there are only two other kids in the town, and it's still "summer" well into autumn - in Virginia. The people who live in Ciferin seem to keep mostly to themselves. Their teacher, while kind, keeps any information he might have regarding the strangeness to himself. They discover a strange box containing items that just adds to the mystery.

The kids are quirky, Toby is imperfect but they are likable. Some things are answered by the end of the story, but it seems there's more left to learn about the strange town of Ciferin. I'll definately pick up the next book and follow the futher adventures.