From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Encyclopedia
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is a novel by E. L. Konigsburg
. It was published by Atheneum Books
in 1967, the second published from two manuscripts the new writer had submitted to editor Jean E. Karl
.
It won the annual Newbery Medal
for excellence in American
children's literature
in 1968 —and her first published won a Newbery Honor, the only double honor in Newbery history (from 1922).
Anita Silvey covered it as one of 100 Best Books for Children in 2005.
E. L. Konigsburg
Elaine Lobl Konigsburg is an American author and illustrator of children's books and young adult fiction. She is one of five authors to win two Newbery Medals, awarded annually for one contribution to American children's literature.Her first two manuscripts were submitted to editor Jean E...
. It was published by Atheneum Books
Atheneum Books
Atheneum Books was a publishing house and adult publisher created by Alfred A. Knopf, Jr. in 1959. He recruited editor Jean E. Karl personally, to come and establish a Children's Book Department in 1961....
in 1967, the second published from two manuscripts the new writer had submitted to editor Jean E. Karl
Jean E. Karl
Jean Edna Karl was an American book editor who specialized in children's and science fiction titles. She founded and led the children's division and young adult and science fiction imprints at Atheneum Books, where she oversaw or edited books that won two Caldecott Medals and five Newbery Medals...
.
It won the annual Newbery Medal
Newbery Medal
The John Newbery Medal is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association . The award is given to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. The award has been given since 1922. ...
for excellence in American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
children's literature
Children's literature
Children's literature is for readers and listeners up to about age twelve; it is often defined in four different ways: books written by children, books written for children, books chosen by children, or books chosen for children. It is often illustrated. The term is used in senses which sometimes...
in 1968 —and her first published won a Newbery Honor, the only double honor in Newbery history (from 1922).
Anita Silvey covered it as one of 100 Best Books for Children in 2005.
Main characters
- Claudia Kincaid—The main character of the book, a straight-A student who feels unappreciated at home and so runs away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Learning of an enchanting statue in the Metropolitan Museum of Art leads her into a mystery from which she cannot extricate herself. Claudia is the only girl, the oldest of four children.
- Jamie Kincaid—Jamie Kincaid is a lively 9-year-old younger brother to Claudia, who tends to cheat at the card game WarWar (card game)War is a card game typically involving two players. It uses a standard French playing card deck. Due to its simplicity, it is played most often by children.-Gameplay:The deck is divided evenly among the two players, giving each a down stack...
for money. He has 24 dollars and forty-three cents, which makes him rich from the viewpoint of an American child in the late 1960s. - Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler—The title character, the smart, insightful and eccentric 82-year-old Mrs. Frankweiler serves many roles in the book. She is the narrator, telling the tale of Claudia and Jamie Kincaid to her attorney. She also serves as commentator, providing insight regarding the actions of the children. She also serves as a plot facilitator, since it is her election to allow a potentially extraordinary sculpture to be sold at auction for only $225 that sets the book's mystery in motion.