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Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

(1971, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Robert O'Brien, Illustrated by Zena Berstein)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    A compelling mix of fantasy and science fiction.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Includes an account of the capture of the rats for use as experimental subjects. Mrs. Frisby narrowly avoids capture by a cat and is caught by a boy. The rats find the body of an old man.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH

Parents need to know that Robert O'Brien's superior writing makes this alternately humorous and rousing adventure entertaining and believable, and the black-and-white illustrations enhance the story.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about animal research. Do you think this book supports or condemns experimentation on animals? If you could receive shots to increase your intelligence, would you want them?
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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH?

  •  I think this book is

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See all 13 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    jacobalex
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    This book is one of my favorites that I've ever read. Mrs. Frisy is definitely one of the most courageous mice I've ever read about. If you like animal and adventure stories, you will love and adore this book.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    jacobalex
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    This book was amazing. I loved how Mrs. frisby got her courage to go up to the owl, who told her to go to the rats, which helped save Timothy. She did that just for her son! I really want to know what happened to justin and figure out if Justin died. 10 out of 10 book.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Cutipie82637
    Lives in Wyoming
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 3.0

    Boring!

    This book is far too boring! I couldnt finish it!

    This review...

    Helped me decide (1) | Had useful details (1) | Read my mind (1)
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Parent Reviewer
    teemoo
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0

    Read first, then see the movie!

    "I really liked Mrs. Frisby. She teamed up with the Rats of Nimh to save her family. Her adventure was exciting, even when she met frightening characters like the Owl. If you like animals and adventure stories, you will like this book A LOT!"

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Adult Reviewer
    LibbyP
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    Love this book

    I've just re-read this book before giving it to my 10 year old. Loved it, just as I did as a child. Great opportunity to discuss animal testing - but the story is more than that.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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