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4.16 AVERAGE
4.16 AVERAGE
I read this in Grade Five, and haven't since. Lately I saw it come up as a related read to contemporary art and other middle grade mysteries, and I'd forgotten it had that mystery element. It was a great re-read, absolutely timeless in its storytelling and characterization. Despite it taking place when it was written, in the 1960s, the characterization of Claudia and Jamie were both so immediately identifiable that it would take only slight changes to make it take place in any other time period. It's very short, and a modern version would likely delve more into the hidden familial relationship between some of the characters. Such a great book, I think young kids would enjoy this as much as teens and adults. Claudia is especially such a well-rounded, contradictory, realistic tween girl character, and Konigsburg captures both her and Jamie's character entirely through dialogue. Incredibly well-written, very recommended.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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:
No
Read to confirm the decision to assign this book to my niece in our book trade. Not quite as exciting as I remembered but very good.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
So aster picking this book up at the behest of my lovely wife ages ago I have finally finished it. Once I gave myself time to sit and enjoy it, I did. It is a wonderful kids adventure and I can't wait to share it with my kids in a few years time.
12 year old Claudia, feeling very put out and unappreciated as the eldest in her family, convinces her miserly yet adventurous younger brother to run away with her to New York City. There are some issues with it, for sure. They give no thought to their poor, distraught parents. They flaunt the rules and risk damaging priceless museum pieces. Claudia corrects Jamie's grammar at every turn and is surprisingly terrible at understanding the value of a dollar(or a taxi ride). I think the ending is weird. Perhaps most damningly, the response to this book's publication *50* years ago included a shifting of part of the NYC Parks budget to increased security at the Met! (So we have this book to "thank" for the cameras and security guards everywhere?)
Still....I love this book. I love Claudia's attitude. I love Jamie's attitude. I love that they develop as characters...but not too much. I love that it makes kids think about art and secrets and mysteries.
Still....I love this book. I love Claudia's attitude. I love Jamie's attitude. I love that they develop as characters...but not too much. I love that it makes kids think about art and secrets and mysteries.
I read this as a little girl and recently reread it with my 9 and 11 year old. It's a very cute little story. My children enjoyed it. I recommend it for 8 and up.
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Listened with the kids in the car as we drove around to various activities. They were definitely in to it and wanted to find out what happened next.
Yay, reading this to my Will right now and he's enjoying it! This is one of the best books ever.