Rodman Philbrick is an American author known for his contributions to children's and young adult literature. He was born on January 22, 1951, in Boston, Massachusetts. Philbrick gained widespread recognition for his novel Freak the Mighty, which tells the story of two boys who form a strong friendship despite their challenges. In addition to Freak the Mighty, Philbrick has written several other books, including The Last Book in the Universe and Zane and the Hurricane. His works often explore themes of friendship, courage, and resilience, making them relatable and engaging for young readers.