One Mixed-Up Night - by Catherine Newman (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"A hilarious, hair-raising page turner, and an iconic portrayal of best friendship. It will be a long, long time before Frankie and Walter decamp from my heart." - Suzy Becker, author of Kate the Great

Bestselling author Catherine Newman's middle grade debut. A critically-acclaimed tribute to the beloved classic From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler! about two friends who share an unforgettable night in IKEA. Now in paperback!

Frankie and Walter have always been best friends, the kind that play "the picking game" with the IKEA catalogue and dream up home improvements. But Walter hasn't been the same lately, and Frankie knows she must do something to get the old Walter back.

Then...EUREKA!

They'll just run away.

Well, not really run away, just running to somewhere, like the kids in their favorite book, and what better place than the massive furniture store they've been obsessed with for years? The plan is simple: pack their bags, give their parents the sleepover switcheroo, and they're in.

So begins the adventure of two friends who spend one night together in IKEA. A night of couch jumping, pillow forts, unlimited soda and meatballs, and twinkling lights. A night of showing each other their true selves and revealing secrets they've been withholding. A night to remember.

Review Quotes

A hilarious, hair-raising page turner, and an iconic portrayal of best friendship. It will be a long, long time before Frankie and Walter decamp from my heart. - Suzy Becker, author of Kate the Great

A dazzling debut by an author that we will hopefully be hearing much more from in the future. - Cammie McGovern, author of Say What Your Will and A Step Toward Falling

Readers will revel in Frankie and Walter's cathartic romp and learn much about grief, family, and friendship along the way. - Kirkus Reviews

The book is well paced, with just enough high jinks and suspense. A good classroom read-aloud title with talking points about loss and the consequences of one's actions. - School Library Journal

An engaging read that deals with deep issues and emotions with a light touch and a pitch-perfect narrative voice. - The Horn Book