"Before you can be anything, you have to be yourself. That's the hardest thing to find." E L Konigsburg

Author/Illustrator: E L Konigsburg
First Published: 1967

The first book published by Konigsburg. It went on to receive a 1968 Newberry Honor Award. (The Newberry Medal (for "for the most distinguished American children's book published the previous year") was first awarded in 1970/1971. The 1968 Awards were given in retrospect).

Not an author I had previously read, but from what I understand she is iconic. The (now) 7yo was given three of Konigsburg's books by an uncle who understands the need to read and chose this one to begin that very night.

Narrated in first person with a well-rendered child's voice, Konigsburg explores the meaning of friendship with an interesting, appealing story. Given the often pervasive racism of US books prior to that era, the subtle, inclusive nature of the relationship between Jennifer and Elizabeth is beautiful. The only way a reader would know Jennifer has dark skin is from the illustrations and a single very fleeting observation - there is really nothing in the story to indicate it. The story is simply about two girls who are friends, with a light refrain on being different.

While Elizabeth's age is never specified, both Elizabeth and Jennifer are in "5th form", and Jennifer is a "serious reader".

Jennifer - protagonist, says she's a "Witch" and becomes Elizabeth's friend.
Hecate - goddess associated with witches. Appears in Macbeth as the Witch Queen.
Macbeth - the prophetic witches from Shakespeare's Macbeth of n  Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and cauldron bubble.n fame.
William McKinley - Jennifer and Elizabeth attend William McKinley Elementary School. (William McKinley was the 25th President of the US).
Elizabeth - protagonist and narrator, Jennifer's apprentice witch.

Appealed to and engaged a young Aussie girl 45 years after it was first published. What more can an author (or parent) ask?

E L Konigsburg
http://cms.westport.k12.ct.us/cmslmc/...
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/ar...
http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hmr/mtai...

Age (taking into account comprehension, concentration, language):
Read aloud - 6+
Read yourself - 8+ (but the girls are "5th form")

Elizabeth and Jennifer are two of the more well drawn and memorable best friends in children's literature in this well respected (if not quite beloved) classic. The fact that they are interracial friends probably meant a ton in 1967, although I don't recall thinking that was such a big deal twelve years later or so when I first read this (probably around 1980). Elizabeth, who narrates, is far snarkier and less shy than you would imagine; Jennifer is perfectly serious in a hilarious way. The book has some incredibly funny moments, subtle but great. It's the end that completely pisses me off; I don't remember caring all that much about the end as a kid, but as a grown-up, I thought it was really abrupt and unexpectedly squishy. Konigsberg published From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler later that same year, and it's a slightly better book; it certainly has a better ending!

I went into this book with a lot of trepidation. I utterly loathe and abhor From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and was fearful of any other books by Konigsburg.

Fortunately, I didn't hate this book. I didn't really see any point to it, but it wasn't terrible and Elizabeth wasn't as annoying as Claudia.

I didn't see the point because Elizabeth lets everyone bully her. Even her "friend" Jennifer is a weirdo and a bully. I suppose Elizabeth does stand-up for herself somewhat, but I wish she could find some nice friends.

I only read this because of my Newbery goal and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I'm glad other people can relate to Konigsburg and her works, but I'm not one of them. Maybe The View from Saturday will be better.

I so enjoy Konigsburg's books. The story is of friendship that begins as unbalanced and one-sided but grows to a much more equal footing, and becomes more real. The two girls are both quirky characters that I thoroughly enjoyed. This is my 4th Konigburg's novel for middle school readers and I've enjoyed them all. She is a very good writer with excellent plot, character and message.

This is Konigsburg's first book, and while I liked it, it definitely doesn't measure up to her later books. But it does have a fantastic title! Elizabeth is befriended--sort of--by Jennifer, who takes her on as an apprentice witch. Jennifer is a fantastic character, singularly herself; she divulges no personal details and doesn't seem to care what anyone else thinks (often with hilarious results).

I remember enjoying this book much more as a kid than I do now. Then, the book felt magical. Jennifer felt mysterious and witchy. Now, Jennifer feels manipulative and bossy. Then, Elizabeth was excited to have a new friend. Now, Elizabeth is lonely and so desperate to have a friend that she’ll do anything she’s told to do no matter how weird the commands are (ex eat raw eggs, collect fingernails).

This was a Newbery Honor book in the late 60's and had an interesting premise so I was excited to read this book but...it reads like it was written in the late 60's and just hasn't aged well.

This is a fun, fast read - another one I didn't read as a kid and wish I had. But who's to say that I would have enjoyed it as much then?

Entertaining and enjoyable, but ultimately left me a bit disappointed.

The staccato writing style is harsh at first but the sentences soon get long enough and the characters amusing enough that one falls into the chapter book rhythm without much trouble. Elizabeth, a 5th grader new to town, bonds with a domineering, manipulative, clever and quirky classmate named Jennifer--who is claims she is a witch and is very tight-lipped about her home life.

A pleasant afternoon read by a solid children's lit author.

I read this as a child and loved it. Rereading, I still enjoyed it but it does seem a bit dated now. Konigsburg's writing is still outstanding and her characterizations are well done. There isn't really anything wasted in the text as she explores a girl hungry for a friend while also not wanting to be one with the crowd.

This was another pleasant read by E. L. Konigsburg. I love the emotions, feelings, and trials she catches of a young girl. I relate completely. The writing is absolutely beautiful, and the story is cute. Once again,this is another one I'll want to read to my children eventually. It very good.

A lesson on how not to be a good friend.