"From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" by E.L. Konigsburg

1) a) Bibliography:
Konigsburg, E.L. (1967). From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 162 pp.
b) Genre and Awards:
Children/ Social Issues
1968 Newbery Medal,
1968 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award;
1970 William Allen White Children's Book Award
An American Library Association Most Notable Book
"Best of the Best" School Library Journal
The Horn Book Fanfare List

2) Synopsis: Claudia and Jamie Kincaid run away from home with Claudia's ideas and Jamie's money. They live for a week at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Claudia becomes obsessed with solving the mystery of "Angel" a newly acquired sculpture. Her search for clues leads her to the statue's former owner, Mrs. Basil. E. Frankweiler.

3) a) Characterization: Claudia is the most believable child! The way the book is written makes you feel all the feelings of injustice and anger that you felt as a kid! Jamie is completely lovable as well. These kids really steal your heart, and Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is so mysterious...I think students will really enjoy this read.
b) Plot: The plot centers around the children discovering if Michaelangelo really did sculpt the "Angel" statue. They follow the mystery all over New York, and have to solve the puzzle at the end in order to make it home.
c) Theme: Identity. Claudia ran away to make her parents appreciate her, but she just can't go home until she feels "different." She feels solving the "Angel" mystery will make her a heroine, but all she really wants it to feel important, loved and valued. When she realized how frantic her parents have been, it becomes much easier to go back home.
d) Setting: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This book is so absolutely delightful and detailed, it makes me want to go visit this museum, just to see where the children lived! The museum was free at the time, and they were able to live all week for 28.00!
e) Style and Effectiveness: This book is written for children, 8-12. It is not challenging to read, but very fun! I think 12 year old Claudia is a character many can relate to.
f) Values and Concerns: Of course, running away is not a good idea, but this is so fanciful, that there are no real concerns of students reading this book. The value of family, learning, tradition, and history are all present. Claudia never dreams of running away alone, and she and Jamie bond during their "vacation." Claudia insists they learn something in the museum every day, and constantly corrects Jamie's grammar. She is very concerned with their knowledge. Claudia and Jamie also brush their teeth, bathe, and go to chapel on Sunday, all in the tradition of their normal lives. Lastly, the value of art and history the children acquire is vital to the story. Readers will want to experience the museum for themselves!
g) Needs of Adolescents: Every child has wanted to run away from home at some point in theif life! Claudia is the oldest of 4 children, and feels like is unfair. She has to take out the trash, walk her little brother home, and she gets the smallest allowance in her class. Claudia knows if she runs away, her parents will learn to appreciate her. I think what Claudia learns in the end, is a great message of family's love. I don't think any reader would actually try to run away and live in a museum.

4) Possible Classroom Uses: This would be a great read aloud, or group discussion. I would also recommend it for individual reading.

5) Appropriate Age Range: Although this book is primarily kid-themed, the language and style of the 1960's makes it a more challenging read than other children's books. Barnes and Noble says 8-12, but I think kids 13 or 14 could also enjoy this story. Middle School is probably the perfect age to read this book.

6) Personal Reactions: I personally found this book enchanting. I fell in love with Jamie, the financial advisor of the story! The ending is exactly what you hope for through the entire tale. The only problem I have with this book is the link of Saxonberg, Mrs. Frankweiler's accountant, to being the children's grandfather. I felt the link wasn't explored enough, and should have been edited out altogether. It left me with more questions, rather than adding to the story. However, all in all, I think middle school and maybe some early junior high students would really enjoy this book.