From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Acceptable with guidance. Age: 9+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
Claudia is eleven and feels nobody notices her. She runs away with her little brother Jamie, and they hide and live inside a big art museum in New York. They try to solve the mystery of a beautiful angel statue and end up meeting the rich old lady who sold it. A clever, funny story, but the children lie, take coins from a fountain and leave their parents worried, so it needs a talk. Age 9, set by Common Sense Media's 9+ rating (the publisher says 8 to 12).
For parents
Age 9, set by Common Sense Media's 9+ rating (Simon & Schuster lists ages 8 to 12, grades 3 to 7; Lumen's read-alone age is also 9). Read it aloud from 7. Claudia runs away because she feels unappreciated, and the children take fountain coins, lie to adults and cheat at cards. Common Sense Media also notes the brother and sister bathe in the museum fountain, shown in a nonexplicit drawing. Ask: how did their parents feel while they were gone? Is a wish coin ours to take? Talk about how to tell your parents when you feel unseen, instead of running. The museum and the angel statue are a great doorway to sacred art.