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Donald Sobol Obituary
Sobol died in Miami from natural causes July 11, his son John Sobol told The Associated Press on Monday.
Sobol's series featured amateur sleuth Leroy "Encyclopedia" Brown, who would unravel mysteries with the help of his encyclopedic knowledge of facts great and small. The books, first published in the early 1960s, were translated into 12 languages and sold millions of copies worldwide.
"Thanks to Donald, generations of children have learned to read and solve mysteries alongside Encyclopedia Brown, one of the most iconic characters in children's literature," said Don Weisberg, president of Penguin Young Readers Group, which publishes Sobol's books.
The Encyclopedia Brown books also featured Brown's friend and detective partner, Sally Kimball. John Sobol said his father was ahead of his times in creating a strong female character.
"That was groundbreaking back in 1963 when the series was first published," Sobol said.
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the Encyclopedia Brown series. Donald Sobol's latest Encyclopedia Brown adventure, "Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Soccer Scheme," will be published in October of this year, according to a release from Penguin.
Sobol's first book was rejected two-dozen times before it was published, his son said.
The Encyclopedia Brown concept - in which the solutions to the mysteries are shown after the story - came to Sobol while he was researching an article at the New York Public Library, and a clerk mistakenly handed him a game book, with puzzles on one side and the solutions on the other.
Sobol decided to write a mystery series with the same premise. He earned an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America award for the Encyclopedia Brown series.
John Sobol said his father loved hearing from cou ntless librarians and parents about children who hated to read until they picked up an Encyclopedia Brown book.
Sobol authored more than 80 books and wrote on a daily basis.
LAURA WIDES-MUNOZ, The Associated Press
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
34 Entries
Robert Davis
February 2, 2025
I remember the Encyclopedia Brown stories from my youth in the 1960's. We sure could use some more decent reading material for our youth today. Yeah, it's a bit old fashioned, but in our society today, a little "old fashioned" would be nice. - Robert D. (Cincinnati, Ohio)
July 11, 2018
Sorry for your loss. I loved reading your fathers books in elementary school in the 60's. It was the first place I went to in the library to find the latest volume. His writings gave me a thirst for reading that continues today into my 60's.
Jeff (Lutherville, MD)
July 26, 2012
My condolences to your family, I loved to read Encyclopedia Brown books as a child and had recently order the first one of the series for my son. My thoughts are with you.
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Tara
July 23, 2012
I'm so sorry for your loss! Reading the Encyclopedia Brown books with my father are some of my favorite childhood memories. I always thought he was brilliant for figuring them out every time!! May God Bless you & strengthen you during this time of sorrow.
Carole Kenin Levin
July 22, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Sobol family. I have sweet childhood memories of playing in your yard on Mindello and knowing we had to be somewhat quiet because Mr. Sobol was inside writing.
I'd like to share an experience that I had about 3 years ago. In the midst of some dramatic life changes I found myself visiting a toy store in the small town of Whitefish, Montana. The toy store had just one rack of books and there was a single Encyclopedia Brown book. I flipped through it and there was The Case of the Murder Man where Carole and Marla Kenin were going to tap dance. It was a wonderful moment for me.
I hope your wonderful memories help during this tough time.
Terri Furman
July 20, 2012
I have so many found memories of growing up with your family...swimming in the pool, etc. I'll always remember the challenge Don proposed to me to come up with a twist for Encyclopedia Brown. What a great way to ignite a childs imagination!
My deepest sympathy to the entire family. The world was a better place because of Don.
La'Shell Seeley
July 19, 2012
I didn't like to read either, but thanks to Don I can read a whole lot better. I really did enjoy all of these "Encyclopedia Brown" books and they were very interesting to read. I deeply send my prayers and condolences to you and your family.
July 18, 2012
To Mr. Sobol's family:
May God give you peace, comfort and strength during
this most difficult time. So very sorry for your loss.
Alabama
Ray Papich
July 18, 2012
I was best friends with Glen Sobol in high school, where I came to know and love the Sobol family. His dad, Don, was so important in Glen's life. Now that Donald has passed on, my thoughts and prayers are now with them. With deep condolences on the behalf of me and countless others, we pray for you and that you may find comfort knowing he will always be with you.
July 17, 2012
When I first met my husband in January of 1970, he and Don were already friends.
Antique cars were of interest to both of them. Don would drive around in his 1930 Model A Ford, and my husband would help to maintain it. That car now lives in our garage. Though we haven't seen Don in many years, he will be missed. Memories of Don, Rosie and the children will remain in our hearts.
Our deepest sympathy to all Dons family.
Jerry and Barbara Webb
Spring Hill, Florida
Paul Feehan
July 17, 2012
On the staff of the Univ of Miami Library, I was fortunate enough to know Don personally. He was a charming & friendly man and a frequent visitor to our library, where we assigned him his own study/research carrel in the bookstacks. He was also generous with his personal time, serving on the Board of Directors of our Friends of the Library organization.
My personal condolences to all the Sobols.
Chris Hansard
July 17, 2012
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Donald Sobol. When I was a child, my earliest favorite books were Encyclopedia Brown books. As an adult, I have always remembered the series fondly and encouraged my own children to read them too. Mr. Sobol's work will always have a special place in my heart. My prayers are with you during this time.
Charles Deaux
July 17, 2012
Our sincere condolences to Eric and family. God bless you and comfort you in this time of loss.
Steve & Becky Deaux
M. Sanders
July 17, 2012
My son loved reading Encyclopedia Brown. His childhood was greatly enriched by the stories. Thank you and God speed.
T B
July 17, 2012
Thank you so much for the great and fun reading. I would devour your books for hours as a kid. I have been encouraging my daughter to read them too. My condolences to the family.
July 17, 2012
To the family of Donald Sobol may God give you comfort and peace by means of prayer - Philipians 4:6,7. My deepest sympathy
Lena Milling
July 17, 2012
Your wonderful stories entertained so many of my students and ME over the past fifteen years of my teaching career. Thank you, Mr. Sobol, for that. RIP
Cathy Ryan
July 17, 2012
My sincere condolences to Mr. Sobol's family. I have the original cover first Encyclopedia Brown book, that I got in the Scholastic Book Club in 1963. I have recently started collecting all of them. Thank you to Mr. Sobol for a wonderful character and wonderful memories.
ms
July 17, 2012
My deepest condolences to the Sobel family. I loved reading Encyclopedia Brown novels as a young girl. Mr. Sobol was one of my favorite author's growing up. His wonderful talents will truly be missed. May the God of peace be with you all during this difficult time.
Romans 15:33
ron moss
July 17, 2012
Ditto whatever anyone else has written here. I read the books right along with my children, all were very entertaining. Thankyou , Donald . A fan from NYC
Mark Drennen
July 17, 2012
I got my first "Encyclopedia Brown" book when I was in the 3rd grade, I read them up until I went to high school, I loved the mysteries and did not put it down, till I read the whole book.
J Perron
July 16, 2012
Thank you Mr. Sobol for writing such wonderful who done it stories. I grew up reading them and bought some for my son because I enjoyed them so much. RIP
July 16, 2012
To the the family of Donald Sobol - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that he will be missed by many.
July 16, 2012
I couldn't keep these great books on the shelf when I was a school librarian - they never got old! K.Smith
@rl torre Sockwell
July 16, 2012
I read alot of his books in the 6th grade.thanks for the fun memories from each book that i had the pleasure of reading.
B.L. Grider
July 16, 2012
To the family of Mr. Sobol,
I grew up reading Encyclopedia Brown and acquired a collection when I became a teacher. The once new books are now tattered; a good thing, since it means they are well used. As difficult as this time may be for you, I hope that you will find comfort knowing that your loved one will be remembered and adored by third graders for many years to come.
Mary Thomas-Davila
July 16, 2012
Thank you Mr Sobol for entertaining me with your great books
July 16, 2012
RIP. It was Mr. Sobol who introduced me to my life long passion of reading mysteries all of which started with this series.
mark moes
July 16, 2012
grew up on his books back in the 60's he will be missed
michelle plakas-kaiser
July 16, 2012
rip
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