"Happiness is excitement that has found a settling down place, but there is always a little corner that keeps flapping around."
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Citation
Konigsburg, E.L. (1967). From the mixed-up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
Summary
Claudia Kincaid wanted to feel different. She felt ignored within her family and bored with being an organized, straight-A student in the suburbs. She comes up with the perfect plan: to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Wanting to be sure her adventure is well-funded, she invites her stingy, but rich, younger brother, Jaime, along. Just as they settle into the routine of museum living, a mysterious sculpture is put on display. Thought to be a little-known work by Michelangelo, the piece was purchased for a mere $225 at an auction. Claudia is determined to solve the mystery, for she is not only dying to know its origins, but she is also convinced the journey will help her find what she was searching for in coming to the museum. Claudia and Jaime's detective work lead them to Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, the seller of the statue, who helps Claudia understand herself a little better.
My Impressions
How did I not discover this book as a kid? Claudia is a smart, resourceful eleven-year-old with whom any girl can relate. The same goes for her miserly, yet clever younger brother Jamie. Who doesn't know that boy in elementary school, if not their own family? Mrs. Frankweiler's voice is clear, witty, and insightful, with many of her comments about the adventure bringing a smile to my face. The interactions between Claudia and Jaime are instantly relatable to anyone who has ever experienced a sibling relationship. Konigsburg's few sketchy drawings help to establish the feel of certain scenes, such as the children bathing in the fountain after hours or the long, long row of filing cabinets in Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler's office. The map of the museum is a fun addition, as it pulls the reader into the museum to follow the children as they move from one room to another. The mystery of the statue's sculptor, combined with Claudia's journey of self-discovery, create a heartwarming and enjoyable story that is sure to capture the attention of many school-age children.
Review
"Claudia Kincaid was a careful and organised planner. She liked culture, but most of all she liked her creature comforts. So when she decided to run away from her middleclass suburban neighbourhood, she headed for the most elegant place in the world: the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. After careful consideration Claudia choose Jamie, her spendthrift 9-year-old brother, to accompany her on her great adventure. 'They complemented each other perfectly. She was cautious (about everything but money) and poor; he was adventurous (about everything but money) and rich.' The pair become wrapped up in a captivating art mystery and eventually meet the narrator of the book. Konigsburg writes a very quirky narrative and has a great ear for dialogue. The eccentric exchange between brother and sister is captured perfectly throughout the story, the siblings being an odd couple, both with plenty of foibles but incredibly likeable. Claudia is quite precocious and loves to daydream, but manages to maintain a cautious grip on their education and her brother's grammar. She has everything covered from where they sleep (in a 16th-century bed) to where they bathe (in the fountain by the restaurant). Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler narrates the story with occasional side comments to her lawyer, Saxonberg. At times her witty observations seem to interrupt the children's droll dialogue. This book was first published in 1967 and won the Newbery Medal, America's top award for children's literature. Apart from the odd archaic expression, the story still holds its simple and extremely humorous appeal. It is all the more relevant considering its obvious influence on the recent Golden Globe winning film 'The Royal Tenenbaums'. Ages 9 to 12."
Quinn, S. (2003). [Review of the book From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, by E.L. Konigsburg. The magazine of children's books Ireland, 6. Retrieved from Children's Literature Comprehensive Database.
Quinn, S. (2003). [Review of the book From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, by E.L. Konigsburg. The magazine of children's books Ireland, 6. Retrieved from Children's Literature Comprehensive Database.
Suggested Library Uses
- Host a mystery at the library for children in grades 4-6. Set the scene and develop clues that can be solved using library resources, much like Claudia and Jamie attempted to do. Staff or volunteers can dress up as Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler-like characters to interview. A preliminary library orientation may be necessary, but would be a great opportunity to show kids around the library.
- Visit a local museum with an after-school group. In addition to planning a scavenger hunt, children can write a story about what they would do if they lived at the museum. There are a variety of picture books and chapter books that can supplement the visit. For suggestions, read "Beyond Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler," by Angela Leeper. See the citation below.
- Leeper, A. (2009). Beyond Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler: Books about museums. Book Links, 18(5), 26-30. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklinks/index.cfm.
Find it @ Your Library - Albany County Public Library
J K836FR
Notes
Winner, Newbery Medal, 1968
Educators Top 100 Children's Books, 2007 (NEA)
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