Module 4- SLIS 5420

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

by E.L. Koningsburg

Koningsburg, E.L. (1967). From the mixed-up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.

Summary

Claudia Kincaid is a precocious young girl who is bored with her normal life and has decided to run away from home, but she has decided that it won't be just to anywhere. She made plans to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. After enlisting the help (and funds) of her younger brother, Jamie, they make a grand escape and begin an adventure together. At the museum, they soon discover a new piece of artwork that has intrigued the public and created a mystery surrounding its creator. Determined to unlock the secret of an angel statue rumored to be done by Michaelangelo, Claudia leads them on a quest for the truth, and finds answers to secrets about herself, as well.

Impressions

I remember reading this book as a child and loving it. Although I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was about the story that intrigued me so, as I read it again, I had the same warm feeling all over again. This story speaks to all who might read it, and I recommend it to any child or adult as a great read. Not only is the book entertaining and real, it reflects on how we are all just trying to find ourselves in life, and that sometimes we get answers to life's questions in places we never imagined we would.

Reviews

Claudia and her brother Jamie are still running around the Metropolitan Museum of Art's cavernous halls in the recently released 35th anniversary edition of E. L. Konigsburg's Newbery Medal-winning novel From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (Atheneum). The new edition includes an afterword by the author.

From the mixed-up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. (1967). School Library Journal, 48(11), 32.

Claudia and her brother Jamie run away from home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, where they find mystery, adventure, and intrigue. Konigsburg has a keen sense of the way kids think and an appreciation for the importance of secrets.

Weisman, K. (2006). 15 Classic Read Alouds. Book Links, 15(6), 9-11.

Suggestions for Use

This would be a great read-aloud for elementary grades 2-4, simply because it is relatable, funny, and keeps the interest of the audience. As you make your way through the story, stop and discuss different aspects of the plot, such as the relationship between brother and sister, how times have changed (specifically, the amount of money needed for things then and now), and what it would be like to stay in a place like the Met. You could also have students think about times they have wanted to run away from home, and where they would go if they did. I would definitely end that particular discussion with all the reasons they shouldn't run away from home, and remind them of how tough it would be to be on their own in a big city.