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

• How to survive in NY on a limited budget & get smarter too

  
  By A37PV5GMP2ILJC on 2005-01-13
  Claudia Kincaid is almost twelve, a straight "A" student, only girl and eldest child of four, who decides to run away to somewhere beautiful, comfortable, and preferably indoors.
  
  Claudia is in fact rebelling against the monotony of her life, unfair distribution of labor, limited television choices and low allowance.
  
  Ever the organizer, she carefully formulates a master plan to escape to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and enlists her middle brother Jamie to join her. Of course, there are very practical reasons that Jamie was the chosen one, and after Claudia tears down his defenses, he becomes a willing accomplice.
  
  The story tells of their grand adventure, and how they were able to survive undetected inside the Met for a whole week. While there, they take the opportunity to learn new things, and become captivated by the newest exhibit, a marble angel that may just be a genuine Michelangelo sculpture.
  
  There and then, Claudia resolves to solve the mystery before returning home, but unfortunately, finances are running low and time is running out for the fugitives.
  
  Through dogged determination, they use the last of their resources to locate the former owner of the angel, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, the lady of the title and narrator of the story. After winning the good lady's favorable consideration, they negotiate a deal with her, the outcome of which decides the success or failure of their adventure.
  
  A charming story, with a little educational material sneakily tucked between the paragraphs. A good book for children with enquiring minds, and a useful tool when planning your next family or school trip to the Met.
  
  Amanda Richards, January 13, 2005
  
  

• A piece of my childhood returns each time I read it

  
  By A164CEQYM6I9WL on 2000-07-18
  "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" has got to be the longest, most confusing title of any classic children's novel, and I wouldn't change a word of it! Having read my copy to pieces in the fourth and fifth grade, I recently bought another copy to have in my daughter's library. Even though she's only 3 now, I know she'll love this book in a few years. To this day, whenever I go into a museum, I find myself wanting to sneak into the bathrooms and hide there until after closing, just so I can sleep in one of those old beds and jump into the museum fountain for the spare change! The novel is as good now as it was thirty years ago, with all the same simple beauty of this fantasy of the successful runaway. If you haven't read it yet, I envy you. If you have, read it again -- it just gets better with age.
  
  

• My favorite book of all time!

  
  By on 2000-07-23
  Almost six years ago, at the age of 10, I first read this book. I didn't enjoy it much, but the second time around at age 11 I loved it...and gained access to a whole new world. Later, I occasionally picked it up again and never grew bored with the tale. It's so exciting to read how Claudia and Jamie, two siblings, made careful, detailed plans to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They survived by taking baths in a fountain, sleeping on a royal bed, and taking tours with school groups. Their vacation from normal life became a quest when Angel, a sculpture rumored to be done by Michaelangelo, was brought to the museum. Will they solve the mystery? Read it to find out.

  There are very few things I disliked about this book, and there is everything to love about it. Claudia and Jamie allowed me to vicariously experience running away from home. (but don't worry parents, your kids will probably not run away because of the book) I felt like I was right there with them. I wish I could live with Mrs. Frankweiler. The story is so realistic and timeless that it sounds as if it could occur today. It is full of edge-of-your-seat suspense and mystery. It also inspired me to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the future.

  Overall, you can't go wrong with this book. It will delight and resonate with people of all ages. I strongly reccomend it. Treat yourself to "Files" right now!
  
  

• MY FAVORITE BOOK AS A CHILD!

  
  By AIEEK7AHXKZCC on 2000-08-02
  My mother bought me this book when I was seven years old. She gave me a brief synopsis -- a brother and sister run away and live in the museum. Naturally, my curiosity was fully aroused and I just had to read this book! I did and loved it! I read it several times from ages 7 - 9. To this day, I can remember the goosebumps I had from reading about Claudia and Jamie remaining on the school bus, ready to sneak off to the train station. I laughed aloud at the thought of them taking a bath in the museum fountain. They were the most original, the most resourceful and by far and away the most interesting and captivating runaways ever to grace the pages of literature. I still have my old copy from my childhood. It is something I will always treasure.
  
  

• A classic tale...

  
  By AMDNJNZ6DRKUP on 2002-07-26
  I read this book for the first time what seems like 100 years ago, and its story has never left me. This is the chronicle of Claudia, who is certain that she is gravely mistreated at home. She convinces her younger brother to run away with her, and her point of destination is the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Running away and living in that fabulous museum would be story enough, if you ask me. However, during their stay at the museum they stumble upon a secret involving a beautiful sculpted angel with curious markings on its base. The story weaves a engrossing mystery that is solved by the two children with the help of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. However, the solution to the mystery is not the point of the story. These children learn that some secrets can be beautiful and can change who you are forever. I loved this book when I was nine, and I love this book today -- some twenty plus years later. Read this book yourself, read it to your child, read it with your child. It will become part of who you are.
  
  
• Mystery kids!
  By on 2001-01-11
  "From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" by E.L. Konigsburg takes place in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This book is an adventurous fiction. The main characters of the story are Claudia, a 12 year old girl who loves adventure, Jamie, an 8 year old boy who is rich, and Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, an old lady who is so rich that she has an elevator in her house. In this book, Claudia and Jamie run away from home and stay in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They find out about a statue of an angel that people think was carved by the master Michelangelo. Claudia and Jamie spend days finding out about Michelangelo and the angel sculpture. They go to Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler's house to find out if she knows if Michelangelo made Angel. Will Jamie and Claudia ever go home? Will they solve the mystery of Angel? Find out in "From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler." I only gave it 4 stars because the book seemed long and was boring to me at the beginning, but it got better. I would recommend this book for kids in fourth grade and up.
  
  
• Greatest Book Ever
  By on 2005-07-19
  I am in the 4th grade and I had to read this book for school. It was the best book I have ever read. I really liked hearing about their adventures and trying to solve the mystery along with them. If you have a kid, I think you should buy this book for them.
  
  
• It Makes an Impression
  By A1HDHKAZX2DR0 on 2005-12-17
  My childhood unfortunately is a long way behind me, yet this book remains with me. I don't know exactly how old I was when I read it, but it is the only children's book that I haven't forgotten.
  I spent most of my young adult years remembering the details of the book without remembering either the title or how it ended. I remembered the clandestine stowing away in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and fishing in the fountain for money. It was only years later when I was searching for books for a young relative that I ran across this title and the cover art that brought it all back.
  Of course, I couldn't pass up the chance to pass on this book. However, before I passed it on, I read it from front to back. Even though I am far from the targeted age for this book, I found it beautiful and captivating.
  I recommend this book for children of all ages. I think it captures the essence of being a child. Even though I can't pinpoint the exact mastery of words or page-turning quality that this book obviously possesses, I am constantly reminded that in some way this book made an impact on me.
  If you are thinking about purchasing a book for a child of any age, I would recommend this one. It made an impression on me, and my only hope is that it will have the opportunity to do the same to many more children.
  
  
• Great book!
  By A11880KGB2TQNW on 2000-04-19
  Two young siblings, Claudia and Jamie, run away from home and hide out in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in this Newbery Award winning book, From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler. After Claudia decides that she is tired of dealing with injustice in her family-having to do the dishes and the trash on the same night while her three brothers do neither-Claudia saves up her money and talks her younger brother Jamie into running away with her. This wonderfully written book shares their adventures of hiding out in a museum for a few weeks and how they helped uncover the age-old mystery of who the artist of a beautiful statue was. I see this book to be a great example of a classic young adult novel. Not only did it win the Newbery Award, but it meets several other criteria as well. "Children's Classics in the Electronic Medium" defines a classic book as "books that have stood the test of time" (186). This means that the books have been passed down from generation to generation and "it has something important to say" (186). Classic books, the article notes, also "include such elements as effective characterization, narrative, illustration, and an enduring and universal message or moral" (186). The only aspect missing from this book being classified as a classic is being passed down from one generation to the next. This will take care of itself over time, and surely From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler will become a classic novel. First, Konigsburg does a great job of effective characterization. Konigsburg describes Claudia, the main character, not only physically, but also using the thoughts that are going through Claudia's head. Claudia describes why she is running away as "Maybe it had to do with injustice...A reason that had to do with the sameness of each and every week. She was bored with simply being straight-A's Claudia Kincaid. She was tired of arguing about whose turn it was to choose the Sunday night seven-thirty television show, of injustice, of the monotony of everything (12). The book goes on to discuss what Jamie and the rest of Claudia's family is like. It digs deeper than just surface characterization. By the end of the descriptions, the reader understands what is going on in side the main characters' heads. Konigsburg also does a great job of effective narration. As the reader reads further along in the book, it is discovered that the entire book is written from the point of view of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler in a letter to her lawyer of the events that took place of how she met Jamie and Claudia. Anytime there might be an event that is unclear to the readers, Mrs. Frankenweiler explains it in more detail in parentheses as writing to her lawyer. For example, when describing the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Mrs. Frankenweiler writes, "Shame on you! You've never set your well-polished shoes inside that museum. More than a quarter of a million people come to visit that museum every week" (37). Including additional information for the readers made the narration of the story even more enjoyable. As one can see, From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankenweiler is well on its way to becoming a classic young adult novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would suggest it to any young adult.
  
  
• An all-time favorite
  By A2GKOW3WIP4O5W on 2003-07-24
  I read this book about 12 years ago, and it is still one of my favorites. It is easy to become fully involved in Claudia's and Jamie's adventures as they explore the museum. As a child I viewed their experiences as opportunities of a lifetime. As they explored the museum after hours and solved the mystery of the maker of the statue "Angel" I longed to be with them. And in a way, I was. :)

  This book is full of funny times (the kids getting coins out of the fountain to pay for food), as well as meaningful. As Claudia searches for the true artist of "Angel" she finds something even better...herself.
  
  

• 'Survival in the Art Museum' makes for really fun reading!
  By A27G7M3CCBFLP3 on 2005-08-18
  I read From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler when I was in middle school, and the plot has remained in my mind throughout all of the years. After all, when I was a twelve-year-old, there was nothing that sounded more magical, and yet practical, than running away with my brother to the largest art museum in America! Some elements of their transition to life alone are remeniscent of the "survival in the wilderness" genre of children's literature, although this book is so much more sophisticated. The details of the children's new lifestyle is far more humorous and intruiging than other kid's survival stories. After reading this book, I wished that I lived closer to New York and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
  
  The first time I entered the Met, I got the chills, as I entered the setting of one of my favorite books from years before. I ran to look for the fountian where Claudia and James bathed (and found a clever solution to their shrinking budget). I searched for the statue called "Angel," the statue that Claudia and James tried to trace in a plotline which tales the book to its conclusion. Although I never found "Angel," I wished more than anything that I could find a way to camp out in the museum!
  
  My only criticism of this book is that it ran out of steam before the ending. Claudia and James's adjustment to life in the museum is far more interesting than the adventure with the statue and Mrs. Basil Frankweiler. That aside, the premise of the plot, the clever characters, and the adorable illustrations (by Konigsberg herself) make this book extrememly memorable. It's even educational, although I hardly noticed because I was having so much fun when I read it.
  
  
• Absolutely wonderful escape story for grade schoolers!
  By A1W7TXSVG81XD0 on 2002-10-01
  ~ * * * * * * ~
  ~ * ~ I 'd love to be able to give this book 6 * * * * * * stars! I think it is absolutely outstanding. The author certainly understands the point of view of grade school age young people!
  ~ * ~ I read this in 6th grade and fell in love with it immediately. Almost 40 years later, I can recall the details perfectly!
  ~ * ~ Claudia, in about 6th grade, thinks life is passing her by, and plans to run away. She actually has a fairly ingenious plan to run away and stay in the Museum. She brings her younger brother for his common sense, and more importantly, his larger savings of pocket money.
  ~ * ~The description of their "getaway", living and playing in the museum is as compelling as any adventure story. The mystery heats up when they think they spot a famous artist's signature mark on a sculpture in the museum/ Claudia finds her self surprisingly dedicated to the mission to find out the truth about the sculpture,
  ~ * ~This adventure story is so fantastic, yet believable. The characters are very believable ordinary kids, who have taken an extraordinary step. I recommend this for young readers, age 10-13, with 6 stars ******!!
  
  
• mystery lovers delight
  By A1EI2VFNQL30E9 on 1999-12-29
  "From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" is about two children, Claudia and Jamie Kincaid. In the story Claudia and Jamie run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They find a statue that is said to be made by Michelangelo but could be made by someone else. Claudia and Jamie decide to do research on it. They go to the house of Mrs. Frankweiler, who donated the statue to the museum, and the secret's revealed. The story's main characters are Claudia, Jamie, Mrs. Frankweiler, and a mysterious man named Saxonberg. I recommend this story for third graders and up. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries.
  
  
• From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
  By on 2002-02-05
  Do you like mysteries of adventure books? Well, if you do then you'll love this book, From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Written and illustrated by E. L. Konigsburg.
  
  This book is about a young girl and her younger brother who run away. They decide to run away so that when they finally do return they will be much more appreciated by their family. They end up living in the Metropolitan Museum, in New York City. While living in the museum they start to unravel the mystery behind a statue in the museum, which they refer to as "Angel".
  
  From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is a book for children mostly ages 10 thru 14. That age group would enjoy this book the most because kids at this age can relate to how the characters are feeling in some of their situations. This book is also relatively easy to read and comprehend.
  
  As you read this book, you will begin to notice it is written as a continuous letter. Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler writes the letter. Reading this book in letterform makes it a "quick read". It is considered a "quick read" because; there is not as much dialog, so that way you will not get confused very easily. Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is acting like a narrator so it is simple to understand and see what is going on.
  
  So... to all of you mysterious and adventurous, early teen readers out there, this is the perfect book for you, From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.
  
  
• A great read
  By A2EUR74UXH5PQW on 2002-09-15
  I read this book for the first time about 10 to 12 years ago, and I was recently delighted to discover I still had a battered copy in my collection. Parents and educators, I recommend this book for so many reasons, I know I can't even begin to list them all. Claudia and Jamie are great characters, having real strengths and weaknesses and complications. Claudia especially is a nice female character for young girls to read about, as she is the mischievious instigator of this runaway escapade. While I find this book to be fun and challenging for juveniles, I felt I could not give it 5 stars. The reason is that the book is very dated, having been written in the late '70s. The topic and characters are still quite pertinent and delightful, however there are some vocabulary and culture issues that will have to be addressed by a parent or educator. This should not, however, keep you from introducing your child to these characters, but only serve as a warning that you will have to be actively involved with your child's experience of this book. I highly recommend it, and hope you enjoy Claudia and Jamie's adventures in the big city ;).
  
  
• An Adventure Story with a Twist
  By A27VJVE1SKAU8C on 2001-01-29
  This was the first real novel I ever read on my own. It made me want to get lost in the Metropolitan Museum, too.

  Claudia and Jamie ran away from home to prove something to their parents. For this reason, some parents may not want to read this story to their children, in case those children follow the characters' example. I think that if more runaways followed Claudia and Jamie's plan--which was well-thought out and well-carried out, not done in the passion of the moment--then they would get into less trouble. Parents also forget a crucial point: these two characters run away to a MUSEUM.

  Claudia and Jamie end up learning new things every day. They join a class that is touring the museum. They visit the UN building. They go to a library to learn more about Michaelangelo. Most importantly, however, they learn how to be friends and not just brother and sister, or "partners-in-crime".

  I called this an adventure story with a twist because of the "buried treasure" element. Instead of finding a map and searching for gold, however, Claudia and Jamie discover a mysterious statue that could or could not have been sculpted by Michaelangelo and do all that they can to find out the truth about it. In the end, as in all good adventure stories, they find their "treasure," using all the things they learned during their stay in the museum.

  The story also has a moral that the author did not state explicitly as a moral. It is that Claudia did not really want to run away, she just wanted to be different, to have a secret. In the end, she does achieve her goal to be special, which is why she no longer needs to run away to find herself. She already knows who she is. The buried treasure was not just the secret, it was also her identity.
  
  

• After thirty years ...
  By A2TEDEF40EHAK4 on 2000-11-14
  After thirty years, I still carry this book in my head; I read "Mixed-up Files" as a child, and still every time I go to a museum, I fantasize about staying and living there. I'll wander around with my companions talking about the art, but in the back of my head, I keep thinking: I could sleep there, bathe there .... Read this book (even if you are already an adult), and I'll see you at the National Gallery!
  
  
• An awesome book!
  By A3MPBTT7U57FEP on 2000-04-13
  This book is about Claudia and her younger brother Jamie. They run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art because of injustice at home. While they are there a new statue called "angel" gets moved in. They steal a newspaper and find out that it could have been made by Michaelangelo. They go to the library and do some research and they are stuck. Finally they find out how to solve the mystery. Without "angel" they might have never found out a way to go home. This book is very interesting and hard to put down because you want to know what happens next.
  
  
• very clever
  By A1SVMGU0MBXGCE on 2000-01-11
  It's really a great book it's very adventurous and the characters are really cool. The book has parts that you don't know what's going to happen, so in a way there's a little mystery involved. I also liked that we got to learn about Michelangelo the famous artist that painted the Mona Lisa. It's a really great book and I enjoyed it.
  
  
• Adventure with a bit of art and history
  By A1I8XTYJHWX6N2 on 2004-05-23
  What a fun book! Every child's fantasy is to live in a super-cool place, at least it was mine, and I remember reading this is a child and being SO envious. To live in a museum! Even if for only a week! And to work on the mystery of an statue! Wow! I loved it.

  Happily enough, the magic had not worn off when I re-read it today. In Claudia and James, Konigsburg has created real kids, with real emotions and actions. The plot is exciting enough to hold attention, while still maintaining a sense of "this could've really happened!".

  There was no moral lesson to be learned it this book--Claudia and James run away and nothing bad happens to them. Matter of fact, they succeed and are rewarded. For that reason, I suppose a bit of parental reminding that running away is dangerous and wouldn't happen like it does in books might be advisable.

  Otherwise, it's an enjoyable read for adults and children alike and just might stir up an interest in art and museums. Books that encourage kids to have an interest history or art (like The Egypt Game) need to be recommended as highly as possible. This one will stir the imagination of any receptive child and might start a life-long enthusiasm--it was one of the starting blocks for me.
  
  

• A Classic
  By A1G9T4OHS7ZTPD on 2002-10-21
  This is one of those books that deeply affected me as a kid. I, too, was the oldest and had three brothers (creepy, huh?) Running away to live in a museum: what a great idea, even if you have to drag your little brother along. The only thing I dislike about this book is that it seemed to end too quickly, and the ending didn't make sense to me. But I have noticed that with a few of Konigsburg's books. All in all, worth reading and buying.
  
  
• One of my favorites of all time
  By A3H82LUT1EC655 on 2001-07-04
  This is one my favorite books of all time. I read it in 1st grade and could not put it down. Claudia and her brother Jamie run away to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art because they are bored with their lives. The two children hide from security guards, and museum workers just so they won't be found. They eventually find out that one of the statue's in the museum which was said to be sculpted by Michaelangelo is a fake. The two children have to try and solve the mystery before this fraud goes on for much longer. Read the book to find out what happens.
  
  
• WHAT A GREAT BOOK!
  By on 2000-01-26
  I read this book when I was in third grade. It reminded me of my brother and me. I read it to my mom, and we both loved it very much.There are so many funny parts! Neither my mom or I wanted to put the book down even though we had to. I think that it would be kind of fun living in a museum. It also made me do quite a bit of guessing what would happen next. I liked how they got their money from the wishing fountain. I absolutly loved this book, and I hope you do too!
  
  
• Best Ever
  By on 1999-12-11
  This book was really, really good. Most books portray kids when they run away as trying to get off school, or as avoiding something they don't like. But Claudia is really smart and elegant. Even when she runs away, she still wants to learn.

  Also, some books try and make kids out to be what they aren't. I like that Claudia and her brother Jaime are stubborn. In addition, that Jaime cheats at cards shows that he is not perfect.

  I think this is one of the best books in the world and would certainly recommend it.
  
  

• 5 star rating!
  By on 2007-03-31
  This book absolutely is over-whelming, hysterical and it helps you learn other people's point of view. If I ever go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I might just do the same as Claudia and Jamie! I am nine.
  
  
• Not mixed-up about how good this book is
  By on 2006-08-13
  This Newbery award winner is about Claudia and Jamie, two kids who run away from home. They leave the suburbs and head to New York where they stay in none other than the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They sleep in an old bed in the French section. They hide in the bathrooms. They even take baths in a fountain (and get paid for it, sort of)! But when a new exhibit comes in, the fun really starts. The Angel is beautiful, exquisite, and mysterious. The question: is the sculpture really done by Michelangelo? Claudia and Jamie will do anything to find out. I think I loved the book mostly because I really liked the idea of living in a museum. This book is good for all ages, but I expected it to be longer.
  
  
  
• Remembering an old favorite
  By A6P9UM6JNIYVR on 2005-05-05
  This is the story of Claudia and Jamie Kincaid, a sister and brother who run away from home together. They travel to New York City to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. They become intrigued with a mystery and spend their days obsessed with finding the answer. Throughout their journey, the pair encounters several challenges and personal realizations.
  I recently read From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and was immediately taken back to the time I saw this movie as a child. My brother and I watched it continuously for an entire summer. We even decided to runaway ourselves, although it was only to the walk-in linen closet and we came out of hiding as soon as my mother returned home from work. For years I could not recall the name of the movie, but wanted to be able to share it with my daughter. I was excited to finally come across this treasure again recently. I have read it once by myself and again with my seven year old daughter. For me this book was about remembering my childhood fantasies and for my daughter it is about discovering her own. This book will be an instant favorite for readers of all ages.
  
  
• A wonderful treat for wild imaginations
  By A1HVJELFV84ISH on 2004-06-24
  Claudia feels underappreciated in her suburban household - a thing all children have most likely felt during at least one time or another. Here, Konigsburgs writes of these feelings with brutal honesty and frankness. Because Claudia is not an only child, it almost seems as if to her, and to readers, that there isn't enough love and attention to go around. Unjustly so, the poor girl frequently gets caught up in chore after chore while her siblings are off the hook.

  So she will run away and teach them all a lesson in "Claudia appreciation." The Metropolitan Musuem of Art will become her grandiose and excitingly fantastic home away from home, so to speak. And younger brother Jamie will accompany her, mainly because he has saved every single penny since birth and will have money, just what Claudia needs. Yet to say she's using her younger bro merely for financial purposes would be unjust. I believe Claudia truly wants and needs the companionship.

  The highlight of their one-week vacation is a mysterious and ethereal statue of an angel, titled as such. It is oh-so mysterious because everyone is unsure of the statue's creator. Some believe it to be the renown Michelangelo - but it has yet to be confirmed and 12 year-old Claudia is incessantly in awe of thee angel's beauty. She knows she cannot go home until she uncovers the secret of the statue and that will mean having to get in contact with a total stranger, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, who is the statue's previous owner. And if she refuses to help Claudia solve the mystery on her mind, she and Jamie may never get home.

  FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER, first published in 1967, has been capturing the attention of children everywhere. Konigsburg has skillfully woven a loveable masterpiece that seems magical, almost too wonderful to be realistic. Yet it is. Claudia feels what so many of society's children today feel. And like many children, she keeps her feelings to herself and deals with pent up frustrations the only way she knows how, hence her escape to The Metropolitan.

  I first read this novel when I was 9. I found myself relating to feeling less love from seemingly uncaring parents, due to having a sister who had no responsibilities and extra TLC because of her young age. I found myself envious of Claudia's grand escape to the musuem and I contemplated a night away from home spent at The Philadelphia Musuem of Art. That, of course, never happened. In retrospect, I realize how wild of an imagination I had. My mind was constantly roaming. Children today are just as creative - or they can be - which is why they'll much enjoy this book. Despite now being seven years older, I still frequently pick it up off my bookshelf, worn and dog-eared, to read it again and again.
  
  

• So well written, it's a pleasurable read for any age.
  By A3EWQ26EW2I2XT on 2000-02-21
  I loved the book 28 years ago as a ten-year-old girl, and I love it now, reading it aloud to my young sons. Children and adults will find the humor in sometimes the same thing, and in sometimes quite different situations. (My sons and I both think the boy Jamie is a hoot). Ms. Konigsburg's insight into the sharp and curious minds of young boys and girls -- and siblings, at that! -- is right on the mark. The action never lags; the museum/city setting and details draw you in and the dialogue speeds the adventure along. I can't imagine anyone being dreadfully disappointed with this book. Check it out!
  
  
• Seems almost real
  By on 2009-10-19
  I'm a 7 ½ year old girl who loves reading and I liked this book a lot. The story is about a girl named Claudia and her brother named Jamie. Claudia thinks her mother and father are giving her too many chores. So she runs away and goes to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York with only $28.34 to live on - for life. She brought a violin case and a trumpet case to put her clothes in. They were hiding in the bathroom until all the guards left. I think it would be kind of uncomfortable, because they were hiding by standing on a toilet! She found a mystery but I don't think I should tell you any more. If I was doing what she did I would take all the clothes that were in the trumpet and violin case (and the cases too) and take them back home, instead of leaving them at the Met. Once in a while I think that it all sounds true, but I know it's not. The ending is kind of hard to understand, but I made it! I think it's a great book and I definitely recommend it to you! The end.
  
  

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• Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh (Aladdin Fantasy)
• Harriet the Spy
• A Guide for Using From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler in the Classroom
• The Phantom Tollbooth
• The Cricket in Times Square (Chester Cricket and His Friends)