Robert.C O’Brien author page

Robert C. O’Brien biography

Robert C. O’Brien was an American author and journalist known for his contributions to children’s literature. Born Robert Leslie Carroll Conly, he wrote under the pen name Robert C. O’Brien. He worked as a writer and editor for National Geographic magazine for over two decades. O’Brien began writing fiction later in his career, focusing on children’s and young adult novels.

His first novel, The Silver Crown, was published in 1968. O’Brien is perhaps best known for Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH, published in 1971. This novel received the Newbery Medal in 1972, awarded by the American Library Association for the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The story centers on Mrs. Frisby, a field mouse who seeks the help of a group of genetically modified rats to save her family.

O’Brien also wrote A Report from Group 17 (1972) and Z for Zachariah (published posthumously in 1974). Z for Zachariah is a post-apocalyptic novel that follows a young girl surviving alone after a nuclear disaster. The book was completed by his wife and daughter after his death.

Robert C. O’Brien’s Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH won the Newbery Medal in 1972.