Title: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E.
Frankweiler
Author: E.L. Konigsburg
First published January 1, 1967
178 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780744583274 (ISBN10: 0744583276)
Rating: 4.15
Overview
Recipient of the prestigious 1968 Newbery Medal, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E.
Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg follows Claudia as she embarks on a well-planned runaway adventure. Her destination?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art where she and her thrifty brother Jamie take up residence. However, Claudia’s excitement quickly turns into a search for something more meaningful.
She finds herself drawn to a captivating statue that has everyone, including the experts, stumped. Determined to uncover its origins, Claudia sets out on a quest that leads her to the statue’s previous owner, the enigmatic Mrs.
Basil E. Frankweiler.
Join Claudia and Jamie on their unforgettable journey of self-discovery and adventure.
About the Author
Elaine Lobl Konigsburg was a talented American writer and artist who specialized in creating works for children and young adults. In 1968, she achieved a remarkable feat by being the only author to receive both the Newbery Medal and a Newbery Honor in the same year.
Her first book, Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth, received the Newbery Honor while her second book, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E.
Frankweiler, won the Newbery Medal. In 1997, Konigsburg made history once again by winning her second Newbery Medal for The View from Saturday, a remarkable achievement considering 29 years had passed since her first win, marking the longest span between two Newberys awarded to a single author.
Editoral Review
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E.
Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg is a beloved classic in the genre of children’s literature. First published in 1967, it has been enchanting readers for over four decades.
E.L. Konigsburg was an American author, teacher, and illustrator who wrote many popular children’s books throughout her career. She won the prestigious Newbery Medal for both this book and her later work, The View from Saturday.
The book tells the story of a brother and sister, Claudia and Jamie, who run away from home and take up residence in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. There, they become fascinated by a statue of an angel that the museum acquires from Mrs.
Basil E. Frankweiler, an eccentric and rich old woman.
The children become determined to find out the truth behind the statue’s origins and embark on a thrilling adventure to uncover the mystery. The novel is beautifully written and engaging in every way.
The characters are charming and relatable, particularly Claudia, who is a fierce and independent young girl determined to make her own way in the world. Jamie is an endearing younger brother who provides much-needed comic relief.
The setting, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a character in itself, and readers will enjoy exploring the museum right alongside Claudia and Jamie. The plot is suspenseful and holds the reader’s attention until the very end.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its unique blend of humor, mystery, and adventure. Konigsburg’s writing style is both accessible and sophisticated, making the book appealing to both children and adults alike.
It also offers a strong message about the importance of family, independence, and self-discovery. Although the book is almost 60 years old, it remains a relevant and timeless classic with cultural and historical significance.
It depicts life in New York City during the 1960s, showcasing some of the social and cultural changes happening during that era. It also explores themes of identity and belonging that are still relevant to readers today.
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E.
Frankweiler is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the pacing to be slow, particularly in the beginning.
Additionally, the resolution of the mystery may feel somewhat unsatisfying to some readers. However, these critiques are minor and do not detract significantly from the overall quality of the book.
Overall, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E.
Frankweiler is a delightful and captivating read that will enchant readers of all ages. It is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire new generations of readers.
For anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t quite fit in or has been on a quest for identity, this book is a must-read. I give it a solid four out of five stars.
