Rodman Philbrick has been writing since the age of sixteen. He had published more than a dozen novels for adults before The Blue Sky Press published his first book for young readers, Freak the Mighty, which was made into the feature film The Mighty, starring Sharon Stone. Since then, he has won numerous awards and honors, including the prestigious California Young Reader's Medal, the Arizona Young Reader's Award, the Washington D.C. 'Capital Choice' award and the New York State 'Charlotte' Award.

Philbrick's most recent novel for young readers, The Young Man And The Sea, draws upon his youthful experiences as a boat builder, and his vivid memories of growing up in a small town on the coast of New England. Working from a theme made famous by Ernest Hemingway, the story follows the thrilling boy-against-the-sea adventure of twelve-year-old Skiff Beaman, who risks his life to save his family by venturing far offshore in a small boat in search of the fabled giant bluefin tuna.

Other works by Rodman Philbrick include Max The Mighty, The Fire Pony, REM World, The Journal of Douglas Allen Deeds, and The Last Book In The Universe.

Rod and his wife, Lynn Harnett, divide their time between Maine and the Florida Keys.