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E.L. Konigsburg: An Overview for New & Old Fans
Beverly Cleary, R.L. Stine, Judy Blume, Maurice Sendak—these are just a few of the names you will find on a well-stocked shelf of children’s literature. And right there with the best of them? E.L. Konigsburg.
Konigsburg’s books are the stuff of childhood dreams. With classics like From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and The View from Saturday, Konigsburg is a two-time Newberry medal winner, and was a 2006 nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Award. Her books are more than just adventurous—they are original, unique, and deeper than most typical children’s books. She frequently tackles tough subjects, like kidnappings, runaways, and identity struggles. Konigsburg’s characters are unusual, yes, but they are also incredibly real. Children connect with her characters in a visceral way—they see themselves in the pages of her books. Their same struggles, same issues, same worries, and fears, and dreams, all play out right there in the story.
But Konigsburg’s real talent is turning those tough subjects into easy-to-digest, enjoyable stories. Her work is witty and her characters rely on their own insights and thoughts to handle their issues. Because Konigsburg has claimed that her book ideas came from real people and situations they encountered, it makes sense that her stories are so strong and real. In short? Her works are a must for any child (and later, adult) bookshelf.
If you haven’t introduced your children to the world of Konigsburg, now is the perfect time. Her books fit the middle school set best, but your mileage can vary depending on your child’s maturity. Her characters are smart and thoughtful, with a lot of growing up angst and struggles, but they can quickly become your children’s fictional best friends. Trust me—any of these Konigsburg novels are perfect for your middle school kiddo.
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (Newbery Medal Winner)
E. L. Konigsburg
5
Paperback
$8.99
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From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
This one is an absolute classic. Claudia, like many young girls, wants to discover herself. In an act of rebellion, she runs away with her younger brother Jamie and chooses the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to settle down in. But when she comes across a mystery, she learns a lot more about herself than she bargained for. It is a lovely story that will take your children on a journey to unusual places so they can meet unusual people.
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Up from Jericho Tel
A story about outsiders and their hobby of burying animals may not sound appealing, but Up from Jericho Tel is an incredible look at friendship, adventure, and the desire to make a name for yourself. It’s hard to figure out who you are when you’re in your pre-teen years, and Konigsburg gets that with this book. The story is also full of layers that will keep even the most reluctant reader engaged and interested.
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Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth
It’s hard being the new kid in town, but Elizabeth makes a friend quickly—even if Jennifer says she’s a witch. In Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth, Konigsburg spins a fantastic tale of magic, witchcraft, and imagination, but it also gives kids some life lessons about problem solving and optimism.
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Silent to the Bone
Possibly her darkest story, Silent to the Bone is a psychological mystery with a bit of a thriller vibe, but it’s also incredibly moving and heartfelt. A young boy, Connor, doesn’t believe that his best friend Branwell could have hurt Branwell’s baby sister, but the baby is in a coma and Branwell is in a juvenile center. Branwell is so shaken up by the incident, that he has gone mute and cannot speak. Connor thinks he might be able to help. The story sounds tough to swallow, but its emotional intensity will draw young readers in.
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The View from Saturday
The story of four very different but interconnected students who perform brilliantly together as an Academic Bowl quiz team, The View from Saturday is an elegantly written multilayered story in which each unique character has a chance in the spotlight.
What is your favorite novel by author E.L. Konigsburg?