• Bulk Order Discounts: Order 5 or more books (same title) and save 15%.
• Order Online: Order online with MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, or PayPal.
• Order By Mail: Send your order with a school/district check. No personal checks accepted.

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

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler tells the adventures of Claudia Kincaid and her younger brother, Jamie. Fed up with the monotony of suburban life and feeling unappreciated, Claudia devises a plan to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. She chooses Jamie as her companion, largely due to his knack for saving money.

Once settled in the museum, the siblings blend into the daily flow of visitors, sleeping in an antique bed and bathing in the museum's fountain. Their adventure takes a thrilling turn when they discover a mysterious statue, rumored to be the work of Michelangelo. Intrigued, Claudia is determined to uncover the truth behind the statue, leading them to the enigmatic Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. The story culminates in a discovery that transforms their understanding of art, family, and themselves.

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

Independence and Self-Discovery: One of the foremost themes is independence. Claudia yearns to assert her autonomy and escape the predictability of her life. Through their escapade, both Claudia and Jamie learn valuable lessons in self-reliance and the importance of personal discovery.

Curiosity and the Quest for Knowledge: The novel celebrates curiosity and the quest for knowledge. Claudia's determination to solve the mystery of the statue exemplifies a deep-seated desire to learn and uncover truths. This theme can inspire students to cultivate their inquisitive minds.

Family and Relationships: The sibling dynamic between Claudia and Jamie adds a rich layer to the narrative. Their interactions reflect typical sibling rivalry but also highlight the strength of familial bonds. Claudia's realization of her home's value by the end of the book underscores the importance of family support and love.

Art and Beauty: Art plays a pivotal role in the story, serving as a catalyst for Claudia's quest and personal growth. The museum setting and the mystery of the statue offer ample opportunities to discuss the significance of art and beauty in our lives.

Activity Ideas for the book From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

Character Analysis: Encourage students to analyze the characters of Claudia and Jamie. What motivates Claudia to run away? How does Jamie contribute to their survival in the museum? How do their personalities complement each other? These discussions can deepen students' understanding of character development and interpersonal dynamics.

Museum Exhibit Project: Have students create their own museum exhibits. They can choose artifacts, write descriptions, and present their exhibits to the class. Display them in a "museum" in your classroom! This project allows students to engage with history and art creatively.

Art Appreciation: Take the opportunity to introduce students to the real Metropolitan Museum of Art. Use online resources to explore its collections and discuss how the museum setting enhances the story. Students could also research Michelangelo and his works, linking the book's mystery to real art history.

Discussion on Independence: Lead a discussion on the theme of independence. What does it mean to be independent? When is it appropriate to assert one's independence? How can students relate Claudia's desire for autonomy to their own lives?

Problem-Solving Activities: Create problem-solving scenarios based on the book. How would students handle living in a museum? What strategies would they use to stay hidden and manage their resources? These activities can foster critical thinking and practical skills.