Run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art with E. L. Konigsburg’s beloved classic and Newbery Medal–winning novel From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler—now available in a deluxe keepsake edition!
Claudia knew that she could never pull off the old-fashioned kind of running away…so she decided to run not from somewhere but to somewhere. That was how Claudia and her brother, Jamie, ended up living in the Metropolitan Museum of Art—and right in the middle of a mystery that made headlines. Celebrate the legacy of the Newbery Medal–winning classic with this special edition.
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"I loved what this had to say about team work and how adventures can be internal journeys resulting in self awareness and growth. My daughter was right when she said it was my kind of book and it was a nice change from the YA novels I need to keep up with for work"
— Sherri (5 out of 5 stars)
“An exceptional story, notable for superlative writing.”
— Children’s Book World“Has captivated readers for more than a quarter-century.”
— Publishers Weekly“The captivating story is fresh and crisply written with uncommonly real and likable characters and genuine dialogue and humor.
— Booklist“Jill Clayburgh narrates at a pace that allows young listeners to absorb the story. Clayburgh’s delivery captures the personalities of both Claudia and Jamie, as well as that of the opinionated Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Clayburgh’s inflections also express the subtleties in the relationship between Claudia and Jamie, drawing us closer to the characters. This well-loved Newbery award winner is enjoyably brought to life.”
— AudioFile" This is my favorite book I love your voice "
— Marmar, 5/20/2021" Best book from my childhood. Right up there with Charlotte's Web and Nancy Drew! "
— Raynak25, 2/14/2014" One of my all time favorite juvenile fiction books. A charming story. "
— Susie, 2/12/2014" My favorite children's book of all time---maybe it was the inspiration for me to attain my degree in Art History. "
— Sarah, 2/9/2014" That magic book written for children that still holds up when you're an adult. "
— Jill, 2/7/2014" I haven't read this book since I was a kid but it really stuck with me. It is due for a re-read "
— Timothy, 2/4/2014" This was a cute story about a girl and her brother. She decideds she wants to runaway and she takes her younger brother with her. She decides that they will live in the New York Metropolitian Museaum of Art. The discover that a new sculpture has come the museum and no one knows if it was made by Michelangelo or not. The kids think it was and do research. They track down the women who sold the sculpture and she helps them to solve the mystery. It was a kid's version of The Davinci Code. It was a cute book. Not sure if I would recommend due to the fact the kids runaway, steal money from the fountain, bathe in the fountain, and go off with strangers. "
— Jodi, 1/29/2014" We listened to this on a family road trip. Great read. My favorite character? The Metropolitan Museum of Art. I couldn't help but wish I was there with them. "
— Carie, 1/22/2014" So strange...but i loved it "
— Addie, 1/15/2014" Read this aloud with my 9-year old daughter. It really stood the test of time. perfect to appeal to the pre-teen. it's got mystery, sibling rivalry, running away fantasy-fulfilment. best YA ever, very readable as an adult. "
— Martin, 12/21/2013" One of my favorite childhood books. Who didn't want to get lost in a museum as a kid? "
— Collette, 11/3/2013" Favorite book from childhood. "
— Alissa, 9/21/2013" Read this as a young girl. I don't know how many times. But I loved it. It is very cool when your kids read the same books you do! "
— Jeanie, 8/31/2013" I want to think this was one of the books that was required reading in elementary school but it's one that I remember fondly. A lot of these books have come back to mind and I just wonder what I would think if I were to read it again today as an adult. May just have to find out! "
— Cristen, 7/10/2013" This is a great book for teens and adults alike. Although the focus is on two runaway children, the message is for everyone. It is a beautiful story! "
— Ronnie, 7/5/2013" i think this might have been my first chapter book! I think I read it when I was in pre-kindergarten... "
— Annabel, 6/20/2013" It was alright, but it was not my favorite. Slow and kind of uninteresting. I don't think this one has aged well. "
— Vicki, 5/14/2013" I remember reading this book! I loved it, the characters were amazing, and it had a great touch of childhood wonder about it that really reflected my earlier years of homeschooling. Such a good book. "
— Parker, 4/16/2013" One of the few books that I read as a youth and loved! Recently read again and fell in love all over again. A fun story with a little bit of mystery and adventure, but really is about self-discovery. "
— Tricia, 3/27/2013" Used in a Cinti. Art Museum tour based on the book. Book for young readers. Items in tour include: Fountain, bedstead, marble angels, patron Longworth, large vases, the library, the security desk, and renaissance area. "
— Janet, 1/12/2013" Such a good book. It made me think, maybe I should runaway from home!! Great book "
— Bianca, 10/9/2012" I can't believe I didn't read this book in childhood. It's both an incredibly fun story and has great things to think about in terms of knowlegde, rewards, secrets, and what you can hold special for yourself in life. Love, love, love. "
— Malia, 9/13/2012" Now I wanna go to the Met. "
— MK, 8/7/2012" i dont even remember if i liked this or not "
— Eliza, 6/14/2012" It was good and suprisingly realistic in a way "
— Zoe, 3/24/2012" My son had to read this and I'm going on a field trip with him. Thought I'd reread it. "
— Jenna, 2/16/2012" Reread in honor of my trip to the Met, NYC and Connecticut. <3 "
— Shelley, 1/7/2012" Great quick read. Kids loved it. "
— Aimee, 8/10/2011" I love this book. I have always wanted to live in a library for a summer, so the idea of living in a museum sounds wonderful. I really liked this book. "
— Olivia, 6/23/2011" Definitely an essential read for adults and children alike. "
— Beth, 5/20/2011" A great kickback book. Perhaps a forgotten treasure. "
— Sara, 5/18/2011" My mom first read this book to me when I was in kindergarden. I fell in love with it the second she finished the first chapter. I've read it too many times since then. I just love it that much. "
— Nicole, 5/18/2011" Just finished reading with Annachiara, she still has the last chapter to finish. I hope we can share more books like that - anyone have any suggestions? I am thinking we might tackle To Kill a Mockingbird this Summer... "
— Alexis, 5/9/2011" Delightful!<br/>And the reader, Jan Miner, is incredible! "
— Sharon, 5/7/2011" I read this as a child and then again 2-3 years ago. "
— Joanna, 5/6/2011E. L. Konigsburg is the only author to have won the Newbery Medal and be runner-up in the same year. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler won the Newbery Medal in 1968; in the same year, Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth was named a Newbery Honor Book. Almost thirty years later, she won another Newbery Medal for The View From Saturday. She has also written and illustrated three picture books: Samuel Todd’s Book of Great Colors, Samuel Todd’s Book of Great Inventions, and Amy Elizabeth Explores Bloomingdales. She wrote Silent to the Bone in 2000, which was named a New York Times Notable Book and an ALA Best Book for Young Adults. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, Konigsburg lives in north Florida.