Covering the Newbery (#47): From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
1968: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg
Original Cover:
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
My Redo:
Side by Side:


Verdict: Brown usually has a tough go of it in terms of shelf appeal, but I think this one turned out fun.
Click here for the Covering the Newbery gallery
Up next week: The High King by Lloyd Alexander
Join 2,000+ librarians! Subscribe to my newsletter on Substack
Filed under: Covering the Newbery, Covers
About Travis Jonker
Travis Jonker is an elementary school librarian in Michigan. He writes reviews (and the occasional article or two) for School Library Journal and is a member of the 2014 Caldecott committee. You can email Travis at scopenotes@gmail.com, or follow him on Twitter: @100scopenotes.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
SLJ Blog Network
Publisher Preview: North South (Fall 2026)
DC’s 2026 Books for Young Readers | News
Early May Update: Our list of possible Newbery contenders according to Heavy Medal readers
From Policy Ask to Public Voice: Five Layers of Writing to Advance School Library Policy
Fast Five Interview: Jen St. Jude
ADVERTISEMENT




Mixed up Files is the oldest Newbery Medal written by an author that is still alive.
Awesome redo, Mr. Jonker!
Love it! Your best one yet!
I want to buy a couple paperbacks of this with your cover. Nicely done.
Thanks! This was a fun one.
I follow blogs on my Google Reader so rarely comment, but this cover spoke to me. I really like this book and this cover is great.
I think you’re right about the brown, especially where kid appeal is concerned, but I think this design is elegant and clever!
This is my absolute favorite.