This was one of the key books of my American childhood. All these years later, phrases were still familiar to me, such as Jamie’s frequent exclamation of “Oh, boloney!” I clearly remembered the delicious overall sense of adventure and secrecy. On this reread I found it a tiny bit dated, what with the impossibly low prices and Claudia wearing a petticoat. Some things haven’t changed, though. Konigsburg captures school group chatter and brother/sister banter perfectly. The museum and archive settings are a great way to get children interested in art, history and library research. This was the original Night at the Museum before that franchise was ever dreamed up.

See my full review at The Bookbag.

I never read From The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler as a child, but wish I had! Konigsburg takes us on an exciting and mysterious romp to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, alongside two runaway children, Claudia and Jamie Kincaid. They are amusing and intelligent characters, who have been rendered realistic beings, and whom the reader finds themselves rooting for throughout. From The Mixed-Up Files... is a simple yet clever tale, with several twists and turns to keep readers young and old(er) amused.