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

Konigsburg, E. L. From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Scholastic, 2007. ISBN 978-0-545-04173-7

Plot

Claudia lives in Greenwhich, Connecticut with her parents and her three brothers. They live in comfort, but Claudia is not happy. She feels ignored and unappreciated, even unloved, at home. She decides to run away, but does not want to live on the run. She wants to live someplace beautiful and comfortable. She chooses the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. She needs money, and her second-youngest brother, Jamie, saves his. She convinces him to go with her, and they are off on a train to New York. At the museum, they learn to follow along at the edges of school groups and hid in the bathroom at closing time. They are intrigued by a beautiful statue of an angel which is thought to have been created by Michelangelo. Claudia decides to find out if this is true. The ensuing search uncovers the truth of the statue's origin and teaches Claudia about herself as well.

Critical Evaluation

The strength of this story lies in the strength of the children's devotion to one another. They manage to survive on their own in a place not intended to house children. They are resourceful and quick to find adventure as they learn about the Museum. They squabble about where to sleep and what to spend their money on, but throughout it is clear that Claudia and Jaime are in this together.

Annotations

Claudia decides to run away from home. She takes her brother, Jaime, along so he can pay for things as they begin an extended stay in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

Author

E. L. Konigsburg is the author and illustrator of this title. She won a Newbery Medal in 1968 for this book and a Newbery Honor award for Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth in the same year.

Genre

Fiction -- adventure

Curriculum Ties

Language arts – adventure stories

Visual arts – museums and sculpture

Booktalk Ideas

Visit the Met's website to show the group images of the museum's exterior, halls, and galleries.

Reading Level/Interest Age

Grade 4 to 6 (age 9 to 12).

Challenge Issues and Defense

Children run away from home. Newbery medal winner.

Why is it here?

The next time I visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art I will definitely look for Claudia and Jaime.