The Secret of NIMH
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What’s inside...
The Secret of NIMH is a children's novel by Robert C. O'Brien, which tells the story of a field mouse named Mrs. Brisby who seeks the help of a group of intelligent, genetically modified lab rats to save her family's home from destruction by a farmer's plow. The rats, who have escaped from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), possess advanced technologies and have built a sophisticated society under a rose bush. As Mrs. Brisby discovers the rats' secret and the sacrifices they have made for their intelligence, she also learns about her late husband's heroic role in their escape. With courage and determination, Mrs. Brisby overcomes various obstacles, including a menacing cat and treachery within the rat community, to secure her family's safety. The story explores themes of bravery, self-sacrifice, and the ethical implications of scientific experimentation on animals.
Age
8-12
Length
249 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mrs. Frisby
Auntie Shrew
Timothy Frisby
Justin
Mr. Ages
Nicodemus
Discussion points
How do you think Mrs. Brisby felt when she had to save her family? What would you do if you were in her situation?
Why is it important to help others, just like the rats helped Mrs. Brisby?
What did you learn about friendship and bravery from the characters in the story?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
If you could have a conversation with any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Mrs. Brisby’s situation, fostering a deeper connection to the character’s challenges and triumphs.
Highlight the theme of community support by discussing the importance of the rats’ help and asking your child about times they’ve given or received help.
Discuss the growth of the characters to help your child understand the concept of development and change, paralleling their own experiences with growth.
Use open-ended questions that promote critical thinking and personal reflection to make the conversation more engaging and insightful.
Foster a deeper understanding and personal connection to the story by discussing the real-life implications of the book’s themes, relating them to your child’s world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and perseverance
Explanation: Mrs. Brisby, the protagonist, showcases courage and perseverance as she navigates dangerous situations to save her family.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of bravery and persisting in the face of challenges, encouraging them to tackle their own obstacles with determination.
Example Lesson: The importance of family
Explanation: The story centers on Mrs. Brisby's efforts to protect her family, underscoring the theme of familial love and sacrifice.
Real-World Application: This lesson can remind children about the significance of family bonds and supporting loved ones during difficult times.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and resourcefulness
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters must think creatively to navigate complex situations, demonstrating clever problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this to their everyday life by being resourceful and thinking critically to solve problems at school or home.
Example Lesson: The power of community and teamwork
Explanation: Mrs. Brisby receives help from other animals, which highlights how teamwork and community are crucial in overcoming adversity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value cooperation and seek help from others to achieve common goals or overcome challenges.
Example Lesson: Learning and using knowledge
Explanation: Characters in the story often rely on knowledge and learning from past experiences to make decisions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value education and learning, showing them how knowledge can be practically applied to make informed decisions.