Claudia was a good organizer and Jamie bad some ideas, too; so the two took up residence at the museum right on schedule. But once the fun of settling in was over, Claudia had two unexpected problems: She felt just the same, and she wanted to feel different; and she found a statue at the Museum so beautiful she could not go home until she bad discovered its maker, a question that baffled the experts, too.

The former owner of the statue was Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Without her-well, without her, Claudia might never have found a way to go home.

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Vol. 0

ANNOTATION

Having run away with her younger brother to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, twelve-year-old Claudia strives to keep things in order in their new home and to become a changed person and a heroine to herself.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Claudia knew that she could never pull off the old-fashioned kind of running away....She didn't like discomfort....Therefore, she decided that her leaving home would not be just running from somewhere but would be running to somewhere. To a large place, a comfortable place, an indoor place, and preferably a beautiful place. And that's why she decided upon the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

— from From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

When Claudia decided to run away, she planned very carefully. She would be gone just long enough to teach her parents a lesson in Claudia appreciation. And she would go in comfort — she would live at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She saved her money, and she invited her brother Jamie to go, mostly because he was a miser and would have money.

Claudia was a good organizer and Jamie had some ideas too; so the two took up residence at the museum right on schedule. But once the fun of settling in was over, Claudia had two unexpected problems: She felt just the same and she wanted to feel different; and she found a statue at the Museum so beautiful she could not go home until she discovered its maker, a question that baffled the experts, too.

The former owner of the statue was Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Without her — well, without her, Claudia might never have found a way to go home.

For thirty-five years E. L. Konigsburg's story has entranced readers of all ages. This special anniversary edition contains a new afterword from the author, along with a few extra surprises to delight readers old and new.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

For 35 years, even readers who have never traveled to New York City have visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art, courtesy of Claudia Kincaid, heroine of From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg. Winner of the 1968 Newbery Medal, this novel charts one girl's mission to run away from her straight-As life to somewhere beautiful-the Met. In the process, she becomes obsessed with uncovering the secrets of a breathtaking statue. A 35th-anniversary dust jacket and a new afterword by the author caps this adventure that has captivated readers for more than a quarter-century. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

Children's Literature - Sharon Levin

Yes, I know most of you know this book, but I was at a book store the other day and a woman who was my age (you know, 25, give or take a few years) picked this up for her daughter and obviously hadn't heard of it. The adventures of Claudia and her brother Jamie as they run away to the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art is a book that every child should know. Their curiosity, independence and realistic sibling bickering resonates today as much as it did 35 years ago. E. L. Konigsburg, who I blame for turning me into an author groupie since she invited a then 10 year old Sharon into her home after I called her on the phone, has included an afterword, her letter from Jean Karl at Atheneum offering her a contract for this book, and a small, funny note that was distributed at Mrs. Konigsburg's Newbery Award acceptance speech. If you love this book, this re-issue is worth having; if you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for? 2002 (orig. 1967), Atheneum Books,