What Parents Should Know
The premise of living inside a museum is enthralling, and E.
L. Konigsburg provides every detail a kid could want. The
author's scratchy drawings, never terribly attractive, look
dated and muddy. Two runaway children demonstrate ingenuity in
taking care of themselves in this superbly written novel. Huge
dollops of art history seem entertaining when the characters
experience it firsthand.
Common Sense Media Review
Though it may read like a fantasy today, this perfect,
kid-size adventure is pure delight. The author's attention to
detail makes this adventure real and satisfying. How Claudia
and Jamie make and execute their plans is a large part of the
excitement. Konigsburg names everything they buy, from the
twenty cents to dry their laundry to the seventeen-cent tip
Jamie gives a cab driver. Their meals at the Automat are
described as lovingly as the mysterious statue. In 1967, of
course, everything cost less, the museum's geography was a bit
different, and girls wore petticoats. Yet Konigsburg's craft
makes the story timeless. She observes the characters as
closely as their surroundings. Claudia's need to show off and
Jamie's tendency to cheat at cards are as much an endearing
part of them as their loyalty, humor, and ingenuity.
The quest for the sculptor's identity is bound inextricably with Claudia's own search for self. The mystery is complicated, but the irascible voice of Mrs. Frankweiler allows the author to clarify without ever seeming to lecture. An unusual choice for a children's-book narrator, eighty-two-year-old Mrs. Frankweiler makes a precise and witty storyteller. She even saves one delicious secret for the very end.
Konigsburg's second Newbery winner, The View From Saturday, will appeal to readers who like putting together the puzzle pieces of a story.
From the Book:
Claudia doesn't want adventure. She likes baths and
feeling comfortable too much for that kind of thing. Secrets
are the kind of adventure she needs. Secrets are safe, and they
do much to make you different. On the inside where it
counts.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
