Unmix the files...

Remember back to the fifth grade. You just discovered boys. Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy became a myth. Was there any mystery left in life? Then your fifth grade teacher brought in a record....did I say LP? Yes, an LP (for you young ones...an LP is a vinyl disc that predated CD's and held a world of mystery if the right story was recorded in the crevices.) At the bell ending our lunch recess, we lined up with anticipation of what those LP's would reveal to us each day.

For 2 weeks in the Spring of 1972, E.L. Konigsburg's tale of mystery in a museum came alive before our ears. Gone was the argument of who cut in line, who didn't have lunch money, or who needed a drink of water before returning to class. If you were but one minute late, you were liable to miss the beginning of the days chapter as read by Lauren Bacall during our 15 minutes of "live story" each afternoon.

When I started visiting the public library, the first book I grabbed was "From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankwiler". I found it intriguing to see how Claudia and Jamie pulled off their amazing journey, and solved an amazing mystery in the process. I spent years, reading and rereading this tale while dreaming of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Automats in New York City. In my 20's, I took many trips to NYC. My first anticipated stop was the Metropolitan. While inside, I dreamed of what Claudia and Jamie saw. I imagined their hiding in the restroom during the nightly closing and bathing in the fountains. I also visited the Automat for a real slice of life!

I am now an elementary school teacher. I share my love of this book with students each year. I hope that their longing for mystery is never out of style. With our help, children will continue to discover the wonder and enjoyment of one of the best books that has ever been written for children!