Challenge 2013: Book 1: The Secret of NIMH

Yes, people, I am totally serious! I know, it's a children's book, but I am determined to read books that are part of an American childhood (e.g. Richard's) before the kids are old enough to read them together with them. So, here are:

The hard facts:

Title: The Secret of NIMH (hardcover title: Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH)
Autor: Robert C. O'Brien
249 pages
(C) 1971 by Robert C. O'Brien
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
ISBN 0-590-41708-8

Find it on Amazon

The story:

The mouse widow Mrs. Frisby needs her winter home moved since she cannot move to the summer home yet due to her youngest son's illness. A family friend, Mr. Ages, refers her to the wise owl for advice, who, in turn, sends her to the rats for help. First, the guard at the entrance of the rats' burrow is sending her away until once again her name opens the doors for her. There, she encounters many wondrous things and meets the rats Justin and Nicodemus, who tell her the story of their rat community, which also includes the story of her late husband, Jonathan. The rats were subject to experiments to a lab called "NIMH", which left them extremely intelligent and extended their life span considerably. But their new awareness also showed them that they don't want to live like rats any longer, stealing from everyone around them, but they wanted to live autonomously depending on the skills and knowledge they have acquire. At the end, Mrs. Frisby's home is moved in a perilous campaign and the rats leave for their new home in the valley.

My opinion:

Folks, I am in love! I really, really LOVED this book! It is written sensible and in a way both young and young-at-heart readers can enjoy it. As an adult, I figured out very early on what "NIMH" would be, but for younger kids, this may add another pinch of suspense. The book teaches the importance of self-reliance, curiosity, and independence. I can't wait to read it with the girls!!



Disclaimer: This review reflects my own opinion only. I found the book in the remains of Richard's library and was not compensated by Amazon.com, Scholastic, Inc., the author, or any other party. I would gladly review books sent to me. If you are interested in having me write a review for you, please refer to my Sponsorship/Disclosure-section for information.