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I love this book! Back when I was teaching, it was one of my favorites to read - aloud. I highly recommend this book for you to read with your child or for them to read on their own. Depending on their reading level, this book is great for grades 3 - 5.
I absolutely love children's literature. I majored in elementary education in college and there was an option to take additional coursework to become reading-endorsed. As a book lover myself, I jumped on the chance to get my reading endorsement. I loved being able to read children's literature for assignments. I loved introducing kids to good books. I loved reading children's and young adult literature myself, and I still do!
A Brief Summary
This book is about Claudia Kincaid. She is twelve years old and she wants to run away from home to somewhere comfortable and beautiful, so she chooses the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. She plans it out, saving her allowance and bringing her sibling who had the most money saved up along for the adventure. The story goes through the adventures and exploits in the museum trying not to get caught by the museum guards while trying to solve the mystery of the Angel sculpture, which was rumored to be carved by Michaelangelo. Claudia is determined to discover who made the sculpture before returning home, which is how she encounters the former owner Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.
Why I Love This Book:
It is classic, so it is a book parents and kids both enjoy
The story is adventurous and kids enjoy trying to figure out the mystery
It is a great conversation starter with kids, which also boosts comprehension
There are two movies based on the book, one from 1973 and one from 1995 - I always think it is fun for kids to read the book first and then get to watch the movie, then they can compare and contrast
The author of the book based the Angel statue on a real-life mystery sculpture (in 1965) believed to be created by Leonardo da Vinci
The author was inspired by her own children when writing the characters, and Claudia is based on her real-life daughter Laurie
It is just a good story
There are so many possible activities, discussions, and learning opportunities that can be prompted by this book.
Looking for Learning Opportunities to Pair with the Book?
Have your kid(s) make a plan of where they would runaway (find a cool printable and more information here)
Have your kid(s) make a map of where they will be living when they run away or of the Met
Use the book to prompt your child to do some research and find more information about Michaelangelo
Do a virtual tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Have your children build their own Angel with clay, playdough, etc.
The real trick is finding a book your child will enjoy. Happy reading!
Remember Mama, you are doing a great job! You got this!
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