From The Mixed-UP Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

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

Author: E.L. Konisburg

Illustrator: E.L. Konisburg

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

http://www.simonandschuster.com/

Publication Date: 1967

Genre: Historical Fiction

Audience: Grades 6- Grades 8

Awards: ALA Newberry Medal, ALA Notable Children's Books, Horn Book Fanfare

Overview: Claudia Kincaid is frustrated with the way things are at home and decides to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. She decides to take her younger brother Jamie along with her because she could use some company and also because she needs some more money. The two pack their book bags and instrument cases with clothes and supplies and embark on a journey to the museum. The two settle in and explore the museum finding a beautiful statue of an angel with an unknown artist. There is a rumor that the statue is possibly the work of Michelangelo and Claudia and Jamie try to explore and find out the truth which leads them to the home of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.

Activity: This book is great for talking about New York City and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and also for discussing the different genres of art that are found at the Museum. If a teacher lives in close proximity to the Metropolitan Museum of Art it would be a great field trip opportunity to read the book and then take the class on a field trip there, so that the students can relate to what the story talked about. Another activity the teacher can do is to read the book and then have to students discuss the artist Michelangelo. The students could research him and his art, to learn more about him and the time period of his paintings.

Reviewer's Name: Jennifer Senkevich