When her youngest child falls ill, a mouse named Mrs. Frisby turns to the rats who live on Mr. Fitzgibbon's farm. Mrs. Frisby soon learns of a common bond shared by the rats and her late husband--they were all imprisoned at a laboratory known as NIMH, where they were used in experiments that gave them superior intelligence. When the farmer's son captures her, Mrs. Frisby learns that the farmer has hired an exterminator to rid his farm of vermin. Mrs. Frisby is determined to save her family and friends, but first she has to find a way to escape. Winner of the 1972 Newbery Medal.