Given at the meeting of the American Library Association in Chicago, Illinois, on June 26, 1972. The Newbery Medal "for the most distinguished contribution to American Literature for children" was awarded to Robert C. O'Brien for Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH.
An informational article written by the PR director for Bluth's team at the time NIMH was released, answering some common questions about the film and addressing some of its themes.