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

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
jjares avatar reviewed on + 3413 more book reviews


This is one of those books that you see listed in Goodreads as a highly-rated novel. I'd never heard of the author, yet the premise was engaging. Claudia Kincaid wants to run away from home, but she realizes she needs to run to somewhere, to be successful. So she decides to take her brother Jamie (because he is a money hoarder and would have enough money to make a successful run to the New York City Metropolitan Museum of Art).

This story first appeared in 1968 and it holds up well. Kids everywhere occasionally feel underappreciated and long for an adventure. Claudia and Jamie lead the reader to a fun experience without having to buy a ticket. A delightful adventure.

When I searched to see more about the author, I was amazed to find that she is the only author to win the (1) Newbery Medal and (2) a Newbery Honor in the same year of 1968 for (1) FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER and (2) for JENNIFER, HECATE, MACBETH, WILLIAM MCKINLEY, AND ME, ELIZABETH.