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

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1967

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Book Brief

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E. L. Konigsburg

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

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1967
Book Details
Pages

178

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1960s

Publication Year

1967

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

700L

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Super Short Summary

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg is a children's novel about Claudia and her brother Jamie, who run away from home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While hiding there, they become engrossed in a mystery involving a new sculpture, Angel, possibly by Michelangelo, and they ultimately seek answers from the statue's former owner, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.

Adventurous

Mysterious

Bittersweet

Inspirational

Humorous

Reviews & Readership

4.4

218,449 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg captivates readers with its charming and adventurous story of two siblings running away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Praised for its clever plot and engaging characters, some critics note occasional lapses in modern relevance. Overall, it remains a beloved, timeless read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler?

Fans of adventurous, introspective tales like The Westing Game or Harriet the Spy will relish From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Ideal for readers aged 8-12 who love mysteries, art, and clever protagonists, it combines wit, independence, and the charm of an unforgettable museum escapade.

4.4

218,449 ratings

79%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Claudia Kincaid

A meticulous and rules-oriented 12-year-old who feels unappreciated at home and decides to run away with her brother Jamie to the museum, seeking change and discovery.

Claudia's younger brother by three years, who accompanies her in her adventure with his practical focus on money management and a penchant for risks.

A wealthy, art-loving widow and narrator of the story, who becomes an important figure to Claudia and Jamie as they uncover secrets during their adventure.

Mrs. Frankweiler’s lawyer and Claudia and Jamie’s grandfather, whose character is revealed through Mrs. Frankweiler’s comments, though he never appears directly.

Book Details
Pages

178

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1960s

Publication Year

1967

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

700L

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