Donald J. Sobol, author of the popular "Encyclopedia Brown" series of children's mysteries, has died. He was 87.
via news.yahoo.com
Encyclopedia Brown was (correction, IS) one of my favorite literary characters. His stories were what led me to start reading other detective/mystery novels like Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie. Donald J. Sobol created a character kids could relate to and cases that were just challenging enough for a young mind. More than anything, they taught young nerds and geeks that it was cool to be smart even as the world around you was saying otherwise. His books will definitely be one I pass on to the next generation.