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

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, by E.L. Konigsburg, (Atheneum, 1967.)

Claudia and her brother Jamie run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While there a statue arrives titled "Angel." Is it by Michealangelo? Or is it a fake? The story is narrated by Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, as a letter to her attorney (who she calls boring--all he ever talks about is his grandchildren.) "Angel" had belonged to her; she let it get away for a song.

Frankweiler is about as enjoyable narrator as you can ask for--pragmatic, judgemental, and wise (but not in a sappy way.) And Claudia is as serious as she is funny (to readers.) For settings, you can't beat two kids living in a museum--or the disorganized offices of Mrs. Frankweiler.

In the end, you find out who the attorney is in relation to the story (if you hadn't already guessed from the beginning.) The whole thing is just nicely done. It's obvious why it won the Newbury. The only thing I would have wished for, in my own little perfect angel statue world, is that we could have seen Mrs. Frankweiler spend more time with the kids. This whole episode is just priceless. But maybe extending it would have ruined it. Like telling a secret ruins it (as Claudia comes to understand.)