Chapter Book #1 - Newbery Medal

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

Author:  E.L. Konigsburg

Illustrator:  E.L. Konisburg, Jacket Photography by Barry David Marcus

Genre:  Juvenile Fiction

Subgenre:  Realistic Mystery Fiction Novel

Themes: Mystery, running away, museums, brothers and sisters, New York, art work, becoming responsible

Primary and Secondary Characters: Claudia Kincaid, Jamie Kincaid, the workers in the museum, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, "the angel," Mr. Saxonberg, Sheldon

Awards:  Newbery Medal Winner 1968

Date of Publication: 1967

Publishing Company:  Atheneum Books For Young Readers

Summary:

Twelve year old Claudia decides it would be a great idea and adventure to run away form home.  She chooses to bring along her younger brother, Jamie, who is nine.  Claudia chooses the Metropolitan Museum of Art as their choice of "a get-away."  As they grow accustom to living on their own and becoming responsible with their spending, Claudia and Jamie discover a work of art that intrigues them.  "The Angel" is a masterpiece that is under investigation to determine whether or not Michelangelo is the real artist.  Claudia  is becoming attached to prove the authenticity, and the mystery heightens as they investigate on their own.  Their sources lead them to visit the original owner of the sculpture "Angel" who is Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.  Once they discover the truth through Mrs. Frankweiler's mix-up files, the secret is revealed that Michelangelo is indeed the real artist.  The only promise that the children made with Mrs. Frankweiler was to allow her to take them home if they got to discover the truth about "Angel."  Claudia and Jamie end their journey and discover a secret that only they know!

How it will be used in the classroom:

Considering the reading level in this book, I think this would be a very enjoyable read for a fifth or sixth grader.  I think they would be able to relate to these characters who are dealing with their "maturity" and handling siblings.  There is a lot of great vocabulary words within this book that would expand their speaking skills.  This is a great book for students to use their imagination and live in a world that would be fun to experience!