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.

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.

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

- From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler won the 1968 Newbery Medal, an award given annually to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
- Despite its longstanding popularity, the book's title is often misremembered or shortened due to its length and unique wording, contributing to its distinctive identity.
- E. L. Konigsburg, the author of the book, experienced an unusually successful Newbery Medal experience, as she is one of the few authors to have won the medal more than once, with her other win for The View from Saturday in 1997.

**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.

**Jamie Kincaid**  
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.

**Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler**  
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.

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

E. L. Konigsburg

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

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Overview

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From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Summary and Study Guide

Background

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

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 3

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Prologue-Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-7

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-10

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Chapters 8-10 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

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

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Themes

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

Symbols & Motifs

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

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Important Quotes

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

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Essay Topics

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

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

Introduction

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

Before Reading

Reading Context

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

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Reading Questions Answer Key

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

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

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

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Book Details