Kindle
$8.99
Available instantly
Audiobook
$0.00
with membership
Hardcover
$16.76
Paperback
from $0.99
Buy new:
-25% $6.75
FREE delivery Tuesday, July 9 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
-25% $6.75
List Price: $8.99

The List Price is the suggested retail price of a new product as provided by a manufacturer, supplier, or seller. Except for books, Amazon will display a List Price if the product was purchased by customers on Amazon or offered by other retailers at or above the List Price in at least the past 90 days. List prices may not necessarily reflect the product's prevailing market price.
Learn more
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Tuesday, July 9 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35. Order within 5 hrs 40 mins
In Stock
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Returnable Yes
Resolutions Eligible for refund or replacement
Return Window 30 days from delivery
Refund Timelines Typically, an advance refund will be issued within 24 hours of a drop-off or pick-up. For returns that require physical verification, refund issuance may take up to 30 days after drop-off or pick up. Where an advance refund is issued, we will re-charge your payment method if we do not receive the correct item in original condition. See details here.
Late fee A late fee of 20% of the item price will apply if you complete the drop off or pick up after the ‘Return By Date’.
Restocking fee A restocking fee may apply if the item is not returned in original condition and original packaging, or is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to Amazon or seller error. See details here.
Returns
Eligible for Return, Refund or Replacement within 30 days of receipt
Returnable Yes
Resolutions Eligible for refund or replacement
Return Window 30 days from delivery
Refund Timelines Typically, an advance refund will be issued within 24 hours of a drop-off or pick-up. For returns that require physical verification, refund issuance may take up to 30 days after drop-off or pick up. Where an advance refund is issued, we will re-charge your payment method if we do not receive the correct item in original condition. See details here.
Late fee A late fee of 20% of the item price will apply if you complete the drop off or pick up after the ‘Return By Date’.
Restocking fee A restocking fee may apply if the item is not returned in original condition and original packaging, or is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to Amazon or seller error. See details here.

Return instructions

Item must be in original condition and packaging along with tag, accessories, manuals, and inserts. Unlock any electronic device, delete your account and remove all personal information.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$1.00
Item in good condition and has highlighting/writing on text. Used texts may not contain supplemental items such as CDs, info-trac etc... Item in good condition and has highlighting/writing on text. Used texts may not contain supplemental items such as CDs, info-trac etc... See less
$3.98 delivery July 12 - 15. Details
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Ships from and sold by glenthebookseller.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

E. L. Konigsburg
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Paperback – April 1, 1998

by E.L. Konigsburg (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 4,812 ratings
Teachers' pick
See all formats and editions

Purchase options and add-ons

A Time Best YA Book of All Time (2021)

Run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art with E. L. Konigsburg’s beloved classic and Newbery Medal­–winning novel 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 be was a miser and would have money.

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.
Previous slide of product details
  1. Reading age
    8 - 11 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    176 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    3 - 7
  5. Lexile measure
    700L
  6. Dimensions
    5.13 x 0.5 x 7.63 inches
  7. Publisher
    Atheneum Books for Young Readers
  8. Publication date
    April 1, 1998
  9. ISBN-10
    0689711816
  10. ISBN-13
    978-0689711817
  11. See all details
Next slide of product details
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jul 9
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet)
$6.74
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jul 9
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
Island of the Blue Dolphins
$7.65
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Jul 9
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
spCSRF_Control
Choose items to buy together.

Get to know this book

Previous page

  1. What's it about?

    A girl runs away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art with her brother, and finds a beautiful statue that she can't leave without discovering its maker.

  2. Popular highlight

    Claudia loved the city because it was elegant; it was important; and busy.
    773 Kindle readers highlighted this

  3. Popular highlight

    His first instruction was to forget his homework; get ready for the trip instead.
    727 Kindle readers highlighted this

  4. Popular highlight

    And his money and radio were not the only reasons. Manhattan called for the courage of at least two Kincaids.
    668 Kindle readers highlighted this
Next page

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Claudia knew that she could never pull off the old-fashioned kind of running away...so she decided not to run FROM somewhere, but TO somewhere. And so, after some careful planning, she and her younger brother, Jamie, escaped -- right into a mystery that made headlines!

About the Author

E.L. Konigsburg is the only author to have won the Newbery Medal and a Newbery Honor in the same year. In 1968, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler won the Newbery Medal and Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth was named a Newbery Honor Book. Almost thirty years later she won the Newbery Medal once again for The View from Saturday. Among her other acclaimed books are Silent to the Bone, The Outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place, and The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Atheneum Books for Young Readers; Reprint edition (April 1, 1998)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0689711816
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0689711817
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 11 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 700L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.13 x 0.5 x 7.63 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 4,812 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
E. L. Konigsburg

E. L. Konigsburg

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

E. L. Konigsburg is the only author to have won the Newbery Medal and be runner-up in the same year. In 1968 From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler won the Newbery Medal and Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth was named Newbery Honor Book. Almost thirty years later she won the Newbery Medal once again for The View From Saturday. She has also written and illustrated three picture books: Samuel Todd's Book of Great Colors, Samuel Todd's Book of Great Inventions, and Amy Elizabeth Explores Bloomingdale's. In 2000 she wrote Silent to the Bone, which was named a New York Times Notable Book and an ALA Best Book for Young Adults, among many other honors.

After completing her degree at Carnegie Mellon University, Ms. Konigsburg did graduate work in organic chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh. For several years she taught science at a private girls' school. When the third of her three children started kindergarten, she began to write. She now lives on the beach in North Florida.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
4,812 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the plot intriguing and wonderful. They also appreciate the writing style as funny, witty, and perfectly described. Readers love the characters and their adventures. They describe the book as an easy, quick read that's great for young and old alike. However, some customers feel the content is not clearly defined, boring, and lacks moral value.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
PlotWriting styleCharactersReadabilityAudience appealNostalgiaEmotionContent
51 customers mention "Plot"51 positive0 negative

Customers find the plot intriguing, clever, imaginative, and engrossing. They also say it's a great introduction to a museum and poignant.

"Totally amazing and thought-provoking book. Two generations have loved it." Read more

"...their home away from home, the Kincaid kids prove to be so smart, so determined, so much a cut above other kids their age, the reader cannot help..." Read more

"Inspired my love of museums and mysteries. I have had my copy for 50+ years...." Read more

"Believable children, great plot for children and a great introduction to a great museum." Read more

29 customers mention "Writing style"25 positive4 negative

Customers find the writing style funny, witty, and wonderful. They also appreciate the realistic dialog and feelings expressed by the kids. Readers also mention the book is good for all ages, and described perfectly.

"...The writing was conversational, since the narrator, Mrs. Frankweiler, loves to insult her lawyer Saxonberg...." Read more

"...loyalty, and good judgement reverberate through the pages of this well written, well paced story...." Read more

"...I think any young reader would enjoy it. There's drama, comedy, & moments where the reader will be holding their breath...." Read more

"...Alexis - I would recommend this book to a friend. It is so funny and teaches you about a statue called angel and the statue is cool." Read more

15 customers mention "Characters"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters in the book intelligent and rational. They also say the book teaches kids to go for their dreams and not to get discouraged.

"Believable children, great plot for children and a great introduction to a great museum." Read more

"...About two clever and extremely resourceful kids, a girl and her younger brother, who get fed up with family life..." Read more

"...It is a very clever and funny book. The characters were amusing and interesting, and eventhough it was written in a different era, the plot could be..." Read more

"...I believe it speaks to the creative plot, fun characters and more that after over 26 years I was searching again for this book as a gift for my..." Read more

11 customers mention "Readability"8 positive3 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, and a great read aloud for young readers. They appreciate the first sentence, which is good. Customers also mention that the book is kept simple and doesn't feel challenging. They like the action and mystery.

"...This book was really enjoyable to read. It didn't feel challenging, and I liked the action and the mystery...." Read more

"...it makes sense and it takes my interest because its first sentence is good. I couldn't take my eyes off this book...." Read more

"...It sounds slightly condescending to the listener, but we liked it nonetheless." Read more

"...It is very thrilling and action packed. Yet it is kept simple." Read more

9 customers mention "Audience appeal"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book great for young and old alike. They also say it's a great gift for a young reader.

"...It is a perfect gifts for children of all ages." Read more

"...A fine story, well written, for kids and even their grandparents." Read more

"...Appropriate for all ages...kids and adults." Read more

"...A wonderfully written book that is great for all ages." Read more

5 customers mention "Nostalgia"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book nostalgic.

"...The late 1960s NYC atmosphere is wonderful. We follow the kids to the long vanished Automat and other interesting locales...." Read more

"...It brought back many happy memories for me. Next time I'm in New York, I'll put a visit to the Met at the top of my list." Read more

"This book brought back fond memories. The story still holds up. I also liked the Author's comments years later. A nice addition to the book." Read more

"...so glad that i could read it again as an adult brings back so many memories." Read more

4 customers mention "Emotion"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book makes their inner child happy and roars with laughter. They also say the children had a blast trying to solve the mystery.

"...The children roared with laughter, and had a blast trying to solve the mystery. This book has it all!..." Read more

"...it only took me an hour to read again, but it brought back the innocence and wonder I had back then. A true classic." Read more

"...have first read this book more than forty years ago, and still it makes me smile. The afterward for this 35th anniversary edition is indeed poignant." Read more

"I love this book and read it again every year or so! It makes my inner child happy! Interesting, fun, and great meaning in it! 💛..." Read more

9 customers mention "Content"0 positive9 negative

Customers find the content boring, lacking any kind of moral value, and ungiftable. They also mention that the plot is dated and implable.

"...The plot wasn't that exciting...." Read more

"it was a good idea. Liked the plot. But it lacks any kind of moral value, and lacks charm as well. Pretty dated. Can get boring at times. oh well." Read more

"...5th grade. Personally, not interested in the writing or story." Read more

"...Characters not clearly defined and not very interesting. Improbable scenario...." Read more

Not just for kids
5 Stars
Not just for kids
I was turned on to this 1967 young adult novel by seeing the wonderful 1973 movie version with Ingrid Bergman on TCM recently.Friends told me it was based on their favorite book when they were kids so I ordered a copy. So glad I did. Such a charming tale of a Connecticut brother and sister who run away from home and hide out in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It’s an appealing fantasy for adults as well as children (I wonder if the book inspired those overnight at a museum events so popular in recent years).The story has a mystery element when the girl and boy decide to find out if a recently acquired sculpture was made by Michelangelo. This is where the wealthy Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler comes in - she sold the piece to the Met (and narrates the story).The late 1960s NYC atmosphere is wonderful. We follow the kids to the long vanished Automat and other interesting locales.Now I want to check out other Konigsburg books - it’s no wonder she won the Newberry Medal for this novel.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

MamaSparkleNerd
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful edition of this book
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2024
Verified Purchase
Loved buying this edition- one of my childhood faves! If there were other books made with this care and wait o would buy them immediately. Simply lovely version of a wonderful book. Great price point.
Helpful
 Report
Jon
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book for young adults
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2024
Verified Purchase
Totally amazing and thought-provoking book. Two generations have loved it.
Helpful
 Report
batman11
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!
Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2024
Verified Purchase
Item came very quickly and new. Very good book!
Helpful
 Report
Sharon McGrath
4.0 out of 5 stars Nice book
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2022
Verified Purchase
Very nice book cover my grandson was even impressed
3 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Lauren Mangold
5.0 out of 5 stars If only Jamie wasn't such a cheapskate
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2017
Verified Purchase
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler is a mystery book. But it's not like other mystery books-- other mystery stories are vague, but this one talks openly about hidden facts. It's the story of two kids who decide to run away from home because they feel rejected from their family. The oldest, Claudia, decides that they should hide at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where everything is glamorous. The sneaky kids have been hiding inside the museum for a week without being caught, before the story becomes even more interesting when they discover the Angel, a statue that may have been created by the artist Michelangelo!
This book was really enjoyable to read. It didn't feel challenging, and I liked the action and the mystery. The writing was conversational, since the narrator, Mrs. Frankweiler, loves to insult her lawyer Saxonberg. I thought it was pretty funny because of the wacky plot. It grabbed me and I wanted to keep reading. My favorite part is when the kids first thought of trying to run away, although I was also very curious to learn who really carved the Angel. Maybe the author wanted readers to become curious-- it worked! The only thing I would have changed if I was the author, would be to make James not a cheapskate, because it didn't fit with the overall excitement of the story.
Middle school readers or mature older elementary readers will enjoy this action-packed tale. Very young readers might not get much out of the plot of the book: we start knowing nothing, and as we read, we understood much more. Although the book felt complete, the ending leaves the reader with many questions. I found it pretty unbelievable that two young kids could run away successfully. I definitely don't think this book could happen today in 2017, because things aren't as cheap anymore!
9 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
K. Beckner
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, cool cover
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is a great book! And, the cover is made out of velvet, which is beautiful with gold inlay. The book is clearly rated for kids in 5th grade, as there are some more mature kid references. It’s full of fun humor and is worth a read! One of my 11 year old’s favorite books!
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Adam Shields
4.0 out of 5 stars The children’s classic story about running away, living in a museum and solving a great mystery
Reviewed in the United States on November 15, 2017
Verified Purchase
Children’s books are great for adults to read occasionally. In addition, to just being a change of pace, I find that the simple straight forward stories get to the essence of so many things. Children’s book don’t have to have multi-layered plots with anti-heroes or twists and turns.

Instead children’s books tell simple stories that often do a great job of getting to root meanings of life.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler is one of the classics that I think has held up fairly well. Claudia, a 12 year-old oldest child that feels like she is underappreciated by her parents and decides to run away. Her younger brother, Jamie, comes with her mostly for the adventure. Most kids would identify with one or both of these reasons for running away.

They take the train from the suburbs of Connecticut to Manhattan and move into the Metropolitan Museum of Art. While they are there, a statue starts showing that may be a lost work of Michelangelo. This gives a purpose not only to the story, but especially to Claudia, who ran away in part to find purpose and meaning.

If you haven’t read the story, I won’t blow the whole thing, but I did think the book held up very well from 1967. It does not feel like an old book, although clearly there are anacronysism that modern readers (child) will not always understand (if nothing else the wildly different prices.)

I listened to the audiobook from the library. As always, books that I have not read since childhood seem so much shorter today than my memory of them. I listened to the whole thing during an afternoon of data entry work.
39 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Lisa Reichwein
5.0 out of 5 stars Award winning story of kid's adventures in NYC
Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2022
Verified Purchase
This book is fantastic. A well love story from 1967 that still holds up. This addition is covered in fabric, perfect to carry around. Cherish it for years!!
5 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Sonia lidia Sanabria Trejo
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente
Reviewed in Mexico on June 27, 2020
Verified Purchase
Excelente
One person found this helpful
 Report
SS
5.0 out of 5 stars So enjoyable!
Reviewed in India on February 11, 2021
Verified Purchase
I got the book after I saw a video on Instagram that interviewed the author's son. I loved reading every word and even bought a second copy to gift to my friend. She enjoyed reading it with her nephew and niece. I recommend that everyone read it regardless of their age.
Report
EVELINA EBERT
5.0 out of 5 stars Site prático, entrega rápida.
Reviewed in Brazil on December 3, 2019
Verified Purchase
Site prático, entrega rápida.
Report
Gord Evans
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing adventure
Reviewed in Canada on June 6, 2019
Verified Purchase
I have two grandchildren approximately the age of the two main characters in this book. What a thrill to read this intriguing mystery to them, to see their eyes light up as the story unfolds and their circumstances unravel. This could easily be their story in their young minds. And Mrs Frankweiler is a piece of work! I highly recommend this story for young folks 8 to 12, and for adults looking for adventure, but totally tired of the TV and video fare we’re being made to endure these days.
Report
Chat
5.0 out of 5 stars Livraison rapide
Reviewed in France on September 23, 2020
Verified Purchase
Produit conforme
Report