From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler

by EL Konigsburg
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler cover
Good Books rating 4.5
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  • ID: 1657
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-08
  • Reviews: 2
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-19
excellent 4.50

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is a unique novel filled with humour, history, and child-like wonder. The story follows Claudia and her brother Jamie as they run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, learning about teamwork, dissatisfaction, art, and history.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is a unique novel that combines humour, history, and a sense of child-like wonder. The story revolves around Claudia, a 12-year-old girl who decides to run away with her younger brother Jamie to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Claudia's journey is not just about finding adventure but also about self-discovery and growth. Jamie, on the other hand, enjoys the ride and watches his sister transform. The novel is narrated by Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, which adds an intriguing layer to the story. The themes of teamwork, overcoming dissatisfaction, and learning about art and history are timeless and applicable even today. The book is suitable for children aged 9-12 and is classroom-approved, despite some mild language reflective of its 1967 publication date.

Quick quotes

    E.L. Konigsburg is a two-time Newbery Medal winner.

    Claudia, a 12-year-old girl who is unsatisfied with her domestic boring life, decides to run away with her wealthy little brother, Jamie.

    The themes in this novel are applicable even in today’s 21st century.

sisandchrys.com · Unknown · 2021-04-27
brilliant 4.50

The reviewer loved the book for its strong voice and characterization, finding the details and images memorable. They appreciated the blend of realism and whimsy in the story and found no significant limitations. The book serves as a reminder of the power of details and strong images in writing.

The reviewer was thrilled to finally read this Newbery winner, which exceeded their expectations. They particularly enjoyed the unique voices and idiosyncrasies of the characters, Claudia and Jamie, who run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The reviewer found the blend of realism and whimsy in the story to be perfect, with the characters' adventures and problem-solving being both engaging and believable. The book's details and strong images left a lasting impression, and the reviewer could not think of any limitations in the story. They also appreciated the inspiration behind the book, which came from the author's own children and their trips to the Met.

Quick quotes

    Claudia knew that she could never pull off the old-fashioned kind of running away. That is, running away in the heat of anger with a knapsack on her pack. She didn’t like discomfort; even picnics were untidy and inconvenient: all those insects and the sun melting the icing on the cupcakes. Therefore, she decided that her leaving home would not be just running from somewhere but would be running to somewhere. To a large place, a comfortable place, an indoor place, and preferably a beautiful place. And that’s why she decided upon the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City” (p.5).

    I mean seriously, why are you still reading this review? Go finish chapter one!

    It’s so funny and captures the personality and logic of the characters so well.

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