When Was Rodman Philbrick Born?
Born on January 22, 1951, in Boston, Massachusetts, Rodman Philbrick (full name Rodman Edward Philbrick) is a renowned American author of novels for adults and children. Now 72 years old, Philbrick’s astrological sign is Aquarius.
For over four decades, Philbrick’s literary contributions have garnered admiration from readers worldwide. The mastermind behind several acclaimed narratives, his journey is one worth exploring.
Known for penning popular children’s books like Freak the Mighty and Max the Mighty, Philbrick has received prestigious awards, including the Newbery Honor and Edgar Award. He currently resides in Maine with his partner, Lynn Harnett.
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| Full Name: | Rodman Edward Philbrick |
| Relationship Status: | In a domestic partnership |
| Spouse Name: | Lynn Harnett (1980-2012) |
| Nick Name: | Rodman Philbrick |
| Date of Birth: | January 22, 1951 |
| Birth Place: | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Age: | 72 years |
| Zodiac Sign: | Aquarius |
| Height: | 5’2″ |
| Net Worth: | $1.5 million |
| Occupation: | Novelist, Writer |
| Citizenship: | American |
| Death Date: | October 13, 2019 |
| Social Media: | Facebook & YouTube |
Table of Contents
Biography
Rodman Philbrick, born in 1951, was inspired by his father’s writing career. After dropping out of the University of New Hampshire, Philbrick worked various jobs and continued writing. In 1973, he published his first novel, Freaky Green Eyes, which began his professional writing career. His acclaimed children’s book, Freak the Mighty, gained him a dedicated readership and was adapted into a film.
Early Life
Rodman Philbrick, born in Boston in 1951, was inspired by his father’s writing career. Growing up in a middle-class family, he excelled in English and enjoyed activities like sailing and sports. After graduating high school in 1969, he dropped out of the University of New Hampshire to focus on becoming a professional author.
Family
Rodman Philbrick, a writer from a literary family, has been passionate about writing since childhood. He has been married twice, first to author Dyan Sheldon and then to occupational therapist Lynn Harnett. He currently lives in Maine with his partner, Mimi, in a log cabin, focusing on writing.
Education
A renowned author, Rodman Philbrick, dropped out of the University of New Hampshire after completing his English and creative writing degree. He worked various jobs, including a liquor store and waiter, while writing tirelessly. In 1984, he returned to the university and completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in English.
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Career & Achievements
Rodman Philbrick, a prolific author, began his writing career in the 1970s after dropping out of college. His debut novel, Freaky Green Eyes, was published in 1973 but struggled to gain a readership.
His breakthrough came with the 1993 novel Freak the Mighty, which drew on his childhood experiences of bullying and feeling like an outcast. Philbrick has since authored over twenty books, including historical fiction and thrillers, and has won numerous literary awards. He continues to write passionately and continues to be a renowned author.
Awards and Recognition
Rodman Philbrick’s illustrious writing career has earned him numerous accolades over the past five decades. Some of his most prestigious literary awards include:
- Newbery Honor Award in 2011 for The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg
- Edgar Award for Best Young Adult Mystery in 1999 for Freak the Mighty
- Shamus Award for Best Original Paperback PI Novel in 2009 for The Big Dark
- Massachusetts Book Award for Children’s Literature in 2001 for The Last Book in the Universe
In addition to these honors, Philbrick’s books have received glowing reviews from major publications like The New York Times, Washington Post, and Publishers Weekly. Many of his novels have become beloved staples in children’s literature classrooms over the years as well.
Reason for Popularity
Rodman Philbrick’s popularity as a novelist stems from relatable outcast characters, strong messages of perseverance, vivid imagination, moving exploration of friendships, and page-turning plots. His stories resonate with young readers, highlighting the pains of social exclusion and the importance of courage and hope. Philbrick’s writing resonates with children and adults, showcasing his profound impact on literature.
Interesting Facts
- For a period in the 1980s, Philbrick wrote spy thrillers for adults under the pen name John Raven.
- An avid sailor, Philbrick worked as a cruise ship skipper in the Caribbean after dropping out of college.
- His father, W.R. Philbrick, authored over 100 books but found success late in his career.
- Philbrick did not learn to read until the fourth grade and was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child.
- The Mighty, the film adaptation of Freak the Mighty, was one of Sharon Stone’s first movies after her breakthrough with Basic Instinct.
- His novel Zane and the Hurricane was inspired by Philbrick’s experience of losing his home during Hurricane Katrina.
- Philbrick wrote The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg after a librarian asked him to author a historical fiction book set during the Civil War.
- He passionately supports literacy programs and has visited over 200 schools to speak to students.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion:
Over his 50-year career, Rodman Philbrick has touched the lives of countless readers with his poignant books spotlighting unlikely friendships and overcoming adversity. Born in 1951 in Boston, Philbrick drew upon his childhood as an outcast to create powerful stories that resonate deeply, especially with young audiences.
Honored with awards like the Newbery Medal and Edgar Award, Philbrick’s literary brilliance shines through his decades of acclaimed publications. With his youthful imagination and gift for storytelling, Rodman Philbrick remains a tour de force in contemporary children’s literature.
