From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

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Summary: The message every child needs to hear.
Review: At 30 years of age,this is the only book I can recall having read over 20 years ago and have never forgotten the name E.L. Koningsburg. The book was a magical thing to the mind of a 10 year old girl, and the brains and bravado of the heroine Claudia, was inspirational. At a time in my life when I felt disheartened at the cruelty of being the new kid in town, I ran away with Claudia and hid in the mystical recesses of the museum with her. For parents who wish their children to live a different reality other than what is displayed on T.V., give them this book to help them explore their own potential. It feeds the imagination and the soul, and they'll certainly never forget the book. Many thanks E.L. for your book was not only captivating, but helped this little girl beleive in herself and overcome her own life situations. It lives in my heart forever

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Summary: An educational yet exciting book for readers of all ages.
Review: Claudia and Jaime are two very intelligent characters that enlighten the reader as to the workings of a child's mind. Claudia, as the main character, always thinks of interesting ways for her and Jaime to live inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is a fantasy of everyone to be locked in a museum or store after all of the other people are gone. This book is a way for the reader to experience that feeling without the fear of being arrested! I believe that anyone who reads this story will become inspired by the Kincaids and find themselves wanting to learn more. The children have so much fun without hurting others or making fun of others as happens in some children's novels. Claudia is a definite role model for young girls and keeps the book interesting despite the academic undertones of Claudia and Jaime's reasons for visiting Mrs. Frankweiler. PARENTS-read this to your children to get them excited about reading.

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Summary: This book is definately not 'mixed up'
Review: I first heard about this book on a computer reading game, but I could only read bits and parts of it and when our computer crashed I completely forgot about it.
Then one day I was at the library and I saw this book for sale, but I wasn't sure if it was any good or not. I didn't want to waste my money, so I borrowed it instead. Now I wish I had bought it. This book is fantastic!

It's about a girl named Claudia who is fed up with her boring life, so she decided to run away with her bother Jamie to the Metropolitan Museum of Arts in New York City. There she falls in love with an angel statue that is rumored to have been made by Michelangelo, but no one knows for sure. Claudia takes it upon herself to find out who made it before she goes home. Her quest takes her to the home of the strange Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, where the statues true maker is revealed.

At first I had been hesitant to read this book because I thought it would have magic or some other stuff and nonsense in it, but I was pleasantly surprised. This story is about Claudia and Jamie's search for the statues maker, and it is also pretty realistic. It's interesting to see how they improvise to make life livable in the great Museum.

I think this book is tops, and it is definitely a must-read.

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Summary: A timeless entertaining adventure
Review: I read this book almost 30 years ago and loved it, I've bought copies for my friend's children and it's always a hit. Great book for kids who can identify with Claudia, who are intelligent, love art, feel a little misunderstood and crave adventure. Big kids like this book as well!

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Summary: from a lifelong museum lover - it all started here!
Review: One of the most entertaining children's books ever! This ranks right up there with The Westing Game for superb description, imagination, and characters. Claudia and Jamie Kincaid run away from home, but clever Claudia isn't settling for any less than the best. She decided the Metropolitan Museum of Art will do, with its antique beds fit for queens, a cafeteria for their meals, and school tours to pass the days. So, with their instrument cases full of spare underwear and Jamie's savings, the two siblings set off. While dodging museum guards, raising funds, and admiring artwork at their leisure after hours, the two stumble upon a mysterious sculpture which may have been created by Michelangelo. A reclusive Mrs. Basil Frankweiler holds the secret, but will she tell?

When I read this back in grade school, I loved the thrilling idea of running away (what kid didn't), preferably somewhere as exotic as the Met. The Kincaid kids are organized and sensible, and it was a pleasure to see a runaway elegantly done. They think of everything. Of course, their method is out of the realm of possibility, but the creativity they show is pure reading fun.

The author wrote the children as complex personalities with layers of wisdom, innocence, and intelligence. The story is slightly dated only in things like the price of admission or stamps - in spirit, it's timeless. It's got everything: a treasure hunt, a mystery, suspense, ingenuity, and the coolest brother and sister team you will find in children's lit.

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Summary: Absolutely wonderful escape story for grade schoolers!
Review: ~ * * * * * * ~
~ * ~ I 'd love to be able to give this book 6 * * * * * * stars! I think it is absolutely outstanding. The author certainly understands the point of view of grade school age young people!
~ * ~ I read this in 6th grade and fell in love with it immediately. Almost 40 years later, I can recall the details perfectly!
~ * ~ Claudia, in about 6th grade, thinks life is passing her by, and plans to run away. She actually has a fairly ingenious plan to run away and stay in the Museum. She brings her younger brother for his common sense, and more importantly, his larger savings of pocket money.
~ * ~The description of their "getaway", living and playing in the museum is as compelling as any adventure story. The mystery heats up when they think they spot a famous artist's signature mark on a sculpture in the museum/ Claudia finds her self surprisingly dedicated to the mission to find out the truth about the sculpture,
~ * ~This adventure story is so fantastic, yet believable. The characters are very believable ordinary kids, who have taken an extraordinary step. I recommend this for young readers, age 10-13, with 6 stars ******!!