"From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" by E. L. Konigsburg

Review written for ClubReading.com by Linda

Two children run away from home, Claudia who plans it all, and Jamie, the younger, and rich, brother. Claudia plans to stay at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a wonderful place to ran away to! There is mystery and excitement, and lots of fun adventure in this book.

This children’s classic was written in 1967, and is somewhat dated, especially as to the cost of things and as to the security at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Otherwise, this tale holds up very well, and has been a favorite of mine for years.

The true message of the story is how being different is a matter of what is inside, not what is outside. Claudia changes her circumstances, but she still feels like the same old Claudia. It takes Mrs. Frankweiler to help Claudia realize that sometimes only change made on the inside will really change you.