APA Citation: Konigsburg, E.L. (1967). From the mixed-up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. New York, NY: Atheneum.
Plot summary: Claudia Kincaid is bored, so like any normal twelve-year-old, she decides to run away to the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. She brings her little brother Jamie along – he has won a lot of money playing cards – and is prepared to have an adventure. But she isn’t prepared to solve a mystery involving a sculpture rumoured to have been carved by Michelangelo, or to track down Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, the statue’s former owner. Whatever the truth is, Claudia and Jamie are determined to find out.
Relation to other works: The tone (mysterious, but realistic) of Mixed-Up Files reminds me of Rebecca Stead’s novels – both When You Reach Me (2009) and Liar & Spy (2012).
Appeal: Mixed-Up Files is a great blend of realistic fiction and exciting mystery. The central characters Claudia and Jamie are easy to relate to, and their adventures are enviable. What kid hasn’t thought of running away? Who doesn’t want to run away to a museum? The dialogue is snappy, the plot action-packed, and the mystery clever.
Audience or readership: Ages 8-12.
Limitations or weaknesses: Though an example of realistic fiction, there are certainly elements that some readers will find… difficult. Could two children really spend a night alone at the Met? Probably not. As such, some suspension of disbelief is required.
Overall assessment: I found this story completely engrossing. Not only was I immediately hooked by the characters – Claudia felt like a kindred spirit, and Jamie’s penchant for gambling was hilarious – but I found the mystery fun and exciting, too. The writing never felt like it was written for kids, even though this is totally a book that kids will love. Grade: A+
Image credit: http://picturebookreport.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/basilefangel.jpg
KIDS LIT FTW! 