1968 Newberry Medal Winner
This could be the longest title on the list. Believe it or not, this story is as fresh in 2009 as it was in 1968! E.L. Konigsburg has a longstanding history of great children's fiction, and this is no exception. As a matter of fact, Konigsburg is the only author to win the Newberry and have an honor book in the same year. 2 out of the 4 best children's books in 1968 were from this author. Amazing.
Almost-12-year-old Claudia feels underappreciated by her family. She decides she will not take it anymore and devises a plan to run away. She must find the perfect place to run to (so many runaways don't think that they need somewhere to go), and she knows she has it with New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Thanks to his cash flow, Claudia invites her younger brother to accompany her. It is enjoyable to see how Claudia and Jamie manage to pull off their caper, and even manage to continue bathtime--thanks to a wishing fountain!
Several days into their stay, the kids come across a new exhibit--the Angel--possibly created by the master Michelangelo himself. Claudia becomes obsessed with finding the identity of the sculptor of Angel, and will even endanger their cover to do so. What follows is a clever and twisting story that brings us to libraries, museums and a mansion belonging to a certain elderly woman...
This was a delightful story, but it does not move with the fast pace that kids have come to expect. In the day and age where kids are distracted by a million other things, I only hope kids would stick with this story. It would be interesting how they perceive research when there are no computers and hands on databases available. Great book. Can't wait to read her others...
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