Estes, Glenn E., ed. Dictionary of Literary Biography. Vol. 52. Detroit, Gale Research, 1986. Gives information on O'Dell's career and reviews his young adult novels.

Hoffman, Miriam, and Eva Samuels.

Authors and Illustrators of Children's Books: Writings on their Lives and Works. New York: R. R. Bowker Company, 1972. Contains an article by O'Dell on his childhood, the inspiration for many of his young adult novels and his personal commitment in writing for children.

"Lewis and Clark Expedition." In Compton's Encyclopedia. Chicago: Compton's Learning Company, 1986.

Contains a complete discussion of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Wittle, Justin, and Emma Fisher. The Pied Pipers. New York: Paddington.

1974. Includes an extended interview with O'Dell, dealing primarily with his opinions on bringing up children today.