Module 4b – From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by Elizabeth Konigsburg

1. Citation- Konigsburg, Elizabeth. From the Mixed up files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Simon Pulse (New York). 2002, 1967. (0689853548) 182 p.
   
2. Summary – A young girl runs away from home with her little brother because she feels as though she is being treated unfairly. Because her brother has money and has good ideas, she takes him with her. They stow themselves away at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and are pulled into a mystery of a statue possibly created by Michaelangelo.
   
3. Impressions of the Book – This book was a wonderful read as a child, and again as an adult. Though this book was written in 1967, it is still a relevant novel today. What child doesn't wish he or she could go roaming around a museum after hours! The only drawback is that this novel would now be considered "historical fiction" from the standpoint of the reader. Written for Elementary level students, it is hard for children to imagine a life without all of the current technology we hold dear. It give a lovely perspective on how some things never change in terms of parent vs. child relationships.
   
4. Reviews – by Amanda Richards retrieved from Amazon.com
   

   Claudia Kincaid is almost twelve, a straight "A" student, only girl and eldest child of four, who decides to run away to somewhere beautiful, comfortable, and preferably indoors. Claudia is in fact rebelling against the monotony of her life, unfair distribution of labor, limited television choices and low allowance.
   

   Ever the organizer, she carefully formulates a master plan to escape to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and enlists her middle brother Jamie to join her. Of course, there are very practical reasons that Jamie was the chosen one, and after Claudia tears down his defenses, he becomes a willing accomplice.
   

   The story tells of their grand adventure, and how they were able to survive undetected inside the Met for a whole week. While there, they take the opportunity to learn new things, and become captivated by the newest exhibit, a marble angel that may just be a genuine Michelangelo sculpture. There and then, Claudia resolves to solve the mystery before returning home, but unfortunately, finances are running low and time is running out for the fugitives. Through dogged determination, they use the last of their resources to locate the former owner of the angel, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, the lady of the title and narrator of the story. After winning the good lady's favorable consideration, they negotiate a deal with her, the outcome of which decides the success or failure of their adventure.
   

   A charming story, with a little educational material sneakily tucked between the paragraphs. A good book for children with enquiring minds, and a useful tool when planning your next family or school trip to the Met.- Amanda Richards
   

   
    

5. Use in a library setting – Too long for a read aloud, I would recommend this book to readers who are interested in movies such as "Night at the Museum" or in conjunction with an art lesson about Michaelangelo.