From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

In European history, the Renaissance was a period of artistic and scientific advancement spanning the 15th and 16th centuries. What do you know about this period and its notable figures, such as Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo, and Michelangelo?

Teaching Suggestion: It may be useful to explain the root of the word Renaissance, which means rebirth in French. Like being born again, the period saw a flowering in artistic and intellectual endeavors after the relatively stagnant Middle Ages. Showing images of well-known works from the Renaissance, such as the Mona Lisa, may also prepare students to visualize some of the art Claudia and Jamie encounter in the museum. In discussion, you may encourage students to think about how things that happened during the Renaissance affect us today, as well as what significance the artistic and historical artifacts from this period hold, connecting with the novel’s theme of The Enriching Influence of Art.

• “Renaissance” - This Britannica Kids article on the Renaissance gives an overview of major developments during the era and is available in three different versions based on grade level.