Burr, Elizabeth. "Newbery and Caldecott Awards." In Children and Literature: Views and Reviews, edited by Virginia Haviland. New York: Scott, Foresman, 1973. This article explains how Newbery Award books are chosen.

Conly, Sally M. "Robert C. O'Brien." In Fourth Book of Junior Authors and Illustrators, edited by Doris DeMontreville and E. D. Crawford. New York: H. W. Wilson, 1978. Conly gives a thorough account of O'Brien's life and interests.

Kingman, Lee, ed. Newbery and Caldecott Medal Books 1966-1975. Boston: Horn Book, 1975. The Horn Book Magazine, August 1972, contains O'Brien's acceptance speech for the Newbery Award and a biographical profile. This book compiles that information, as well as speeches by other Newbery Award winners, for easy reference. Many of O'Brien's ideas that were incorporated into Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH are included in this speech.