From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
This is one of those stories that I distinctly remember considering reading in fifth grade, but then ultimately spurning in favor of other choices. I particularly enjoyed the datedness of this tale of two siblings who run away from their comfortable suburban Connecticut home to New York City and camp out secretly in The Metropolitan Museum of Art while researching the provenance of a mysterious angel statue. It’s quite alarming to realize how much food and transportation prices have skyrocketed since 1967, and I loved thinking back to what it was like before the Internet, when typewriters were still in use and libraries were the only places to find even the simplest of facts. Many people cite this Newbery Medal winner among their favorites, and I’m glad I finally got around to seeing why.
