Children's Mystery Challenge: The Art of the Mystery (or Vice-Versa), Part 1

I have two mysteries to offer this month in our Children's Mystery Challenge. As March is designated as Youth Art Month, both books deal with mysteries that involve the world of fine art - a world, certainly, which plays an important role in quite a number of classic mysteries.

The first is also a classic children's book - one that my school-librarian wife says has always been one of her favorites: "From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler," written and illustrated by E. L. Konigsburg. It won the 1968 Newbery Award, one of the most distinguished honors in children's literature.

It's the story of two children: Claudia and Jamie Kincaid. Claudia decides to run away from her home in Connecticut - she is tired of being taken for granted. Being a practical child, however, she plans her getaway very carefully, and takes one of her younger brothers, Jamie, along with her, for the very good reason that he is the only child in the family who is enough of a miser to have saved some cash. The two children go to New York and hide out in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, eluding discovery by guards and workers, eating in a nearby Automat, even bathing (after the museum closes) in its fountain.

And they discover a mystery: a small statue of an angel, which may be the work of the Italian Renaissance master Michelangelo, has been acquired by the museum at an auction for a very low price indeed. Its authenticity and details about its background are not known. The children decide to try to help the museum (which has no idea of their presence, by the way) determine if it is authentic or not. In fact, Claudia feels that she must find out - and prove her case - before she and Jamie can go home again.

Which brings us to Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. She is the woman who is telling us the story (in the form of a long letter to her lawyer). Who is she? What is her relationship to the statue? And can she help Claudia find a way to return home on her terms?

It's a beautiful story, with delightful illustrations by the author, full of surprising twists - and teaching the young reader something about classic art and, of course, a well-clued mystery. It's meant for readers in the 9-12 age group, but, as my wife points out, it is also an excellent book for a parent to read aloud to/with a child.

UPDATE: Check out 5 Minutes for Books to see what others are reading in the challenge this month!

Comments

[Amy @ Hope Is the Word]

This is one of my favorite children's books!

[Amber]

This sounds so good! It's been in my TBR pile for awhile.

[Jennifer@5 Minutes for Books]

I read this one myself last year. I remember loving it as a child, and my own child read it several times herself. I enjoyed revisiting it.

Love your "art" theme this month!

[Carrie, Reading to Know]

I read this book last year for the first time and LOVED it! What a great recommendation for a children's classic mystery. I wouldn't have thought of it!

Awesome!

[Kris]

Until our recent move to Oregon, I led a book club for girls aged 8-12, and this was one of our favorite selections. It led to some great discussions about secrets, their transformational power, and what makes people special. The girls were delighted at the idea that the main characters were able to live secretly in the Metropolitan Museum of Art! A wonderful book.

[Stephanie's Mommy Brain]

I've never read this book but it sounds like one my kids would love to listen to.