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

2.18k reviews for:

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

This is another book that I haven't read since elementary school, although the precise year I would have read it escapes me at the moment. I also remember listening to it on tape in the car, so possibly it was as late as 6th or 7th grade, but my memory of the book was faded enough that even though I remembered loving it, I didn't remember much more than the basic plot of Claudia and Jamie running away to the Metropolitan Museum.

Part of why this book works so well, I think, is because there are all kinds of secrets and mysteries set out at the beginning that we find out the answer to at the very end. I thought the multiple references to Saxonberg's grandchildren were very clever, actually, and some of the hints dropped were just oblique enough that when I connected the dots it made me laugh.

I also think that the fact that this book is narrated by an old woman who loves mysteries and secrets and adventures is a big contributing factor to why it continues to hold up over the years. Although I'm not sure anyone knows what an automat is anymore unless they were born pre-1960 or read Mental Floss.

slategrey's review

4.0

4.5 out of 5

jeverett15's review against another edition

4.5

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

zeldaah's review

2.0

Read this as a child and enjoyed it... read it recently to my daughter and it didn’t hold up for me. Why not?

bquittman's review against another edition

5.0

Audio version outstanding

l0vbug's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious relaxing slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

cocoonofbooks's review against another edition

5.0

This was a fun reread and held up as an adult read. I love the way that the kids, particularly Claudia, strategize every detail of their running away, and how they make a routine for themselves in the museum. I enjoy the mystery aspect of it that brings in a little bit of history, and Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is a fantastic character and narrator. Glad this was just as enjoyable this time around.