Parents' Guide to

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

By Cindy Kane, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Attention to detail makes adventure satisfying.

Book E. L. Konigsburg Adventure 1977
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 9+

Based on 7 parent reviews

MonicaMom
MonicaMom Parent
December 31, 2016
age 8+

Great book; a few things to talk about with children

There are so many reviews everywhere about this amazing book, I won't bother to write another one. I will add one thing that for some reason is not mentioned at all here, because as a parent I feel this is one point of this site and is what I look for as a parent and educator: The children find a chocolate bar and the boy eats it. They talk about the possibility of it being poisoned or containing marijuana, and briefly talk about marijuana and "dope dealers" getting kids hooked on drugs. This might be scary and/or confusing for younger children and parents should talk with children about drugs while/before reading the book. It's not a big deal but I don't feel as though this should be a young child's first introduction to drugs if they're reading this book at a young age. (I don't feel that this book has too much about drugs, but I do feel that it's too much for young children to read about without any talk about this at all.)

This title has:

Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
6 people found this helpful.
Jakk T.
Jakk T. Adult
February 4, 2023
age 12+

Adventure should not require thoughtlessness toward caregivers, stealing, and secrets with unknown adults.

Enjoyed the development of the sibling relationship. Running away without thought for consequences is not adventure but entitled thoughtlessness. References marijuana in food and children familiar with types of beer. Stealing money and breaking and entering. Kids keep a secret with an adult for feelings of excitement and growth, not an advisable, wise, or safe choice.
1 person found this helpful.
See all 7 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Claudia Kinkaid feels unappreciated by her parents and bored with her orderly, straight-A existence. She is nearly twelve when she decides to run away from her home in suburban Connecticut. Being practical, she chooses a comfortable destination--New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art--and a thrifty traveling companion, her nine-year-old brother Jamie.

After careful planning, Claudia and Jamie arrive at the museum, hiding from the guards in the rest rooms, sleeping on priceless beds, and bathing in the fountain. But when a statue of an angel, rumored to be a possible Michelangelo, is given to the museum, Claudia decides they must solve the mystery. Their search leads them to the statue's original owner, eccentric Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, who narrates the story in a peppery letter to her lawyer. Mrs. Frankweiler both solves the mystery and helps Claudia understand why the secret of the statue is so important to her.[

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (7 ):
Kids say (25 ):

Though it may read like a fantasy today, this perfect, kid-size adventure is pure delight. Author E.L. Konigsburg's attention to detail makes this adventure real and satisfying, and her craft makes the story timeless. She observes the characters as closely as their surroundings. Claudia's need to show off and Jamie's tendency to cheat at cards are as much an endearing part of them as their loyalty, humor, and ingenuity.

The quest for the sculptor's identity is bound inextricably with Claudia's own search for self. The mystery is complicated, but the irascible voice of Mrs. Frankweiler allows the author to clarify without ever seeming to lecture. An unusual choice for a children's-book narrator, 82-year-old Mrs. Frankweiler makes a precise and witty storyteller. She even saves one delicious secret for the very end.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about escape. What is Claudia trying to escape? Have you ever wanted to escape from something? Did you try?

Book Details

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