Module 4: From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

Book Summary

Claudia has a plan to run away from home and hide out at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  She decides to bring her brother Jamie along because she doesn't have much money, and Jamie is "rich".  They are successful in their plan and are able to stay at the museum for a week without anyone finding them.  Claudia and Jamie hide under beds and take baths in the fountain after the museum closes.  Their adventure takes a turn when they become intrigued by an angel statue which may have been created by Michelangelo.  The statue leads them to Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, who ultimately helps them find their way home.

APA Reference

Konigsburg, E.L. (1967).  From the mixed up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.  New York, NY:  Atheneum Books.

Impressions

I thought this was a great suspenseful adventure.  The beginning of the story may be a little confusing for some young readers due to the narration.  Some may have a hard time with the point of view, but it comes together nicely in the end. 
I enjoyed how the characters complimented each other. Claudia is a good planner but not so good at saving money, and Jamie keeps her on track by budgeting their limited resources.  Many children - at one point or another - get mad at their parents and think about running away.  And who wouldn't want to hang out in a museum after hours?  The setting, the idea of running away, and the likable characters combine to make this a book of lasting appeal.
The story leaves you wondering about Saxonberg, Mrs. Frankweiler's attorney, who we also find out is the children's grandfather... it begs for a sequel!  And any book that leaves you wanting more is a good book!

Professional Review

Elaine Konigsburg's first sharp bite of suburban life, Jennifer, He- cate, Macbeth...(131, J-43) was a dilly; this one's a dandy--just as fast and fresh and funny, but less spoofing, more penetrating. From the files of Mrs. Frankweiler comes the chronicle of Claudia Kincaid, almost twelve, and her brother Jamie, who is nine. Tired of being her same old taken-for-granted self, Claudia decides to run away, and Jamie goes along because he is flattered at being asked. Claudia has planned every detail: escape on the empty school bus, change of clothing in a violin case, sanctuary in the Metropolitan Museum. For a week the children elude the guards and exploit the opportunities of the museum: they sleep in a royal bed, bathe in the cafeteria pool, and pass part of each day in study on the fringe of lecture tours. Midweek, a marble angel of dubious origin arrives; Claudia is convinced that it is a Michelangelo and determines to prove it: she will authenticate Angel and become a heroine before going home. But no--by arrangement of Mrs. Frankweiler, she goes home a heroine only to herself (and happy); and she knows something about secrets she hadn't known before--they have to come to an end... Like the title, Mrs. Frankweiler is a bit of a nuisance; and an offhand, rather bemused reference to dope addiction is unnecessary but not inappropriate. What matters is that beyond the intriguing central situation and its ingenious, very natural development, there's a deepening rapport between their parents; "we're well trained (and sure of ourselves)...just look how nicely we've managed. It's really they're fault if we're not homesick." There may be a run on the Metropolitan (a map is provided); there will surely be a run on the book.

From the mixed up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg.  [Review of the book From the mixed-up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, by E. L. Konigsburg].  (1967, September 1).  Retrieved from https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/el-konigsburg/from-mixed-up-files-of-mrs-basil-e-frankweiler/.

 

Library Uses

This book is probably best used as a read aloud or book club choice.  After reading the book, kids may enjoy exploring the website for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, http://www.metmuseum.org/.

Book cover image from:  http://blog.schoollibraryjournal.com/afuse8production/2012/06/19/top-100-childrens-novels-7-from-the-mixed-up-files-of-mrs-basil-e-frankweiler/