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

Age rating and parents' guide:From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

by E.L. Konigsburg

Ages 9–11

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg is best for children aged 9–11. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Kids run away (safely resolved).

Claudia Kincaid decides to run away from home to teach her family a lesson in appreciating her, choosing the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City as her hideout. She brings along her frugal younger brother, Jamie, to manage their money. As they sleep in antique beds and bathe in fountains, they become fascinated by an exquisite angel statue said to be made by Michelangelo. Children love the clever plan, the witty sibling dynamic, and the thrilling secret life behind the museum doors.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
None
Scary moments
None
Romance
None
Bad language
None

Worth knowing: Kids run away (safely resolved)

Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Novel
  • ★A steady start that picks up quickly
  • ★Mostly text
  • ★Emotionally light

Great for kids who like

  • Mystery & Detective
  • Action & Adventure
  • Puzzles & problem-solving

Reading mood

  • Adventurous
  • Mysterious

Good to talk about

  • Family
  • Puzzles & problem-solving

Books like From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler for?
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler suits children aged 9–11. It is a novel: a steady start that picks up quickly, mostly text.
Q: Is From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler appropriate for a 9 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–11. It has no violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing before reading: Kids run away (safely resolved).
Q: What should my child read after From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler?
Try The Explorer, The Serpent's Secret and George's Secret Key to the Universe. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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