From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Newbery Winner 1968

This book rides that crazy line between absolutely timeless and absolutely dated. Claudia and Jamie are those children characters that fall into the category of being smart, well-written, and… real. E.L. Koningsburg had children close to the ages of her characters and you can tell that she used her observations of her children to create a realistic portrayal for Claudia and Jamie.

I first read this when I was much younger and seemed to feel it was a mystery. On this reread I realize that this is a straight up coming-of-age story, the Claudia (and to a lesser extent Jamie) are trying to solve a mystery – or as Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler later tells them, ‘uncover a secret’. We as the readers are not particularly involved in the solving process. 

I think the best part of this is the problem-solving but indulgent Claudia, with her elaborate plans to run-away to the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, have to work with her thrifty (but ‘rich’) and utterly practical younger brother. They make a great team-up, working together well but also butting heads a fair amount of the time.

Koningsburg obviously thought out each detail of living in the museum and the shenanigans the kids get up to are the timeless part. However, the cost of things is and outdated technology immediately let you know you are reading something decades old. No matter, this book continues to charm readers a half-century later.

This book is sort of an inspiration to all aspiring writers. Like so many before her E.L. Koningsburg was a mother with a dream of being a writer, she wrote whenever she could and eventually sent in two manuscripts. Her first two books From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and Jennifer, Hectate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth (fan of long titles much?) were published in the same year and both were noticed by the committee. Mixed-Up Files won the Newbery and Jennifer, Hectate was honored, to this day Koningsburg is the only author to receive an honor and win in the same year.

The Bronze Bow, Newbery Winner 1962

I was surprised to find that this book won a Newbery. It is more overtly religious than any of the other winners. (Note – upon reflection I may be incorrect concerning how religious The Cat That Went to Heaven is considered.) I have come across several Newbery Honor Books with religious elements - The Book of Boy and The Inquisitor’s Tale being the examples that spring to mind; the difference being that these books incorporate religion in a fantasy way. Bronze Bow is probably best described as historical fiction as it tries to be very grounded in the time period in which it is set. 

I realize your mileage may vary on the religious aspect, but I think that Elizabeth George Speare has gone to great lengths to create a believable story that exists on the periphery of Jesus Christ’s life and ministry. As a believer myself I found it an easy enough concept to accept. For people unsure or that do not believe I hope that Speare has crafted a plausible story which happens alongside what you can call ‘pre-established’ characters and events – much as many recent stories set in the worlds of Robin Hood or King Arthur.

Our main character is Daniel, a young Jewish boy traumatized by the death of his parents (especially his father). His father was killed by the Romans so he harbors a passionate hatred for all Romans and even the Israelites that work with them. He is a very convincing portrayal of hurt and anger and hatred. The story is very well-crafted in that it quickly gets you on Daniel’s side, but then helps you step out and realizing how he is hurting the people who want to get closest to him rather than the Romans. His younger sister, Leah, is even more traumatized (and perhaps suffering another mental disorder) and her erratic behavior leads people to believe she is possessed. With lots of work she begins to make gains and learn to take care of herself and the household.  

Always occurring in the background is the early part of Jesus’ ministry. Daniel and his friends go listen to him preach on several occasions, Simon the Zealot is a fairly major character, and Daniel along with several other young rebels are certain that Jesus is preparing people to rise up against the Romans and form a zealots’ group.

One day Daniel goes into a rage and drives Leah back into her mind. The ending – though predictable in some aspects gives us a more realistic ending than I imagined. I will definitely give this other read around Easter in the future.