The Secret of NIMH

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.