From the mixed up files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler

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 From the mixed up files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler


Genre- Children's fiction, Mystery 
Author- E. L. Konisburg
Tagline- "Claudia had decided where their new residence was to be- The Metropolitan Museum of Art'"

From the mixed up files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler is a children's novel by E.L. Konisburg. It is about Claudia and James Kincaid who run away from home. They decide to make their residence the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. The first part of the book chronicles their ingenious methods of escaping detection from museum staff and parents, and their methods of earning money. The second part focuses on Claudia's obsession with solving the mystery surrounding Michelangelo's 'Angel' sculpture and how they finally meet Mrs Basil E Frankweiler

The story Uses a unique narrative structure. It is framed as a letter written by Mrs Frankweiler to her lawyer, Saxonberg, explaining why she is changing the contents of her will. The letter contains many references to Saxonberg's personality and her own life. In a surprise plot twist at the end of the book, it is revealed that Saxonberg is Claudia and James' grandfather.

The plot explores various personality types. Claudia is a straight A student, Jamie is a miser regarding money and Mrs Frankweiler is an adventurous women who is surprisingly perceptive. The book also traces the development of the characters, and shows the effect of having a secret adventure on a person's character . It demonstrates the difference between showing someone you enjoyed something and actually enjoying something. 

I love the book due to its cute plot, relatable characters and moments of humor. I also liked the sibling relationship portrayed. 

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