From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler , Newbery Medal 1968 The View From Saturday , Newbery Medal 1997 both by E.L. Konigsburg

Originally posted: Fri, 5 Sep 2003

From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler , Newbery Medal 1968 The View From Saturday , Newbery Medal 1997 both by E.L. Konigsburg

Note: this author also got a Newbery Honor award for another book!

This author has a long list of books and about an equally long list of medals and awards to go with them. I haven't read any of the other ones, but I have a feeling she just cranks out good books, reliably. I enjoyed both of these.

I remember reading From the Mixed Up Files as a kid and liking it. It is a fun fun book about a couple of kids who run away from home (in the most organized way possible----- the older sister in this pair is hilariously organized in her departure from home and family!) They run away TO the metropolitan museum of art, where they LIVE for a time . . . bathing (and collecting money) out of the fountain, sleeping in one of the historic beds, hiding in the bathrooms while the guards are doing their final rounds at closing, etc. While at the museum they get involved in a art mystery which they become determined to solve. (and do.) I would recommend this for all ages. . . I think kids 7 or 8 and up would enjoy it.

The View From Saturday involves four stories, each one about a different kid, all of whom are the members of a certain teachers quiz bowl team. The four stories interlock in a variety of ways, and the friendship/bonds between these four kids give a good feeling, which is what I'm left with a couple months later. It's not quite as memorable as the Mixed Up Files in my opinion, (but it was still very good) and would appeal more to a slightly older pre-teen audience. (Nothing scary or tragic or horrible that I remember!)

Holmes read both of these and liked them too.

love, Louise