Robert C. O’Brien’s Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH was published in 1971 and won the Newbery Medal in 1972. It explores matters of community cooperation, civilization-building, education, and humanity’s shortcomings. It also features some pretty cute (and brilliant) little creatures! On Episode 163, Alli and her guest delve into the world of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, paying special attention to the author’s structural choices, the Mrs. Frisby character, and why the book may have some barriers of entry to kid readers.

Sarah Enni is an author, podcaster, and journalist. Her debut novel Tell Me Everything was released in 2019 and you can read her short story (“The Blessing of Little Wants”) in the bestselling villain anthology Because You Love to Hate Me. Sarah created and hosts the First Draft podcast. Follow Sarah (@sarahenni) and First Draft (@firstdraftpod) on Instagram.

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