1. Claudia intends to run away because she feels "bored with simply being straight-A's Claudia Kincaid." She is tired of the constant arguments over who gets to choose the Sunday night seven-thirty TV show, the unfairness she perceives, and the repetitive nature of her life. Do these reasons, along with her complaints about chores, babysitting, and a small allowance, justify her decision to leave home?

2. Claudia tells Jamie she "didn't run away to come home the same." What does she mean by this? Does she return unchanged? Why or why not?

3. How plausible is this story? Which events seem credible, and which appear improbable?

4. Claudia selects Jamie because she believes they complement each other perfectly: "She was cautious and poor; he was adventurous and rich." In what other ways do Jamie and Claudia balance each other? What makes them such an effective team?

5. Mrs. Frankweiler immediately realizes that Jamie has been cheating at war, the card game he plays with Bruce. How does she figure this out? What does her insight suggest about the similarities between her and Jamie?

6. Mrs. Frankweiler appears to understand Claudia better than Claudia understands herself. Why does Mrs. Frankweiler feel such empathy towards Claudia?

7. Mrs. Frankweiler goes to considerable effort and inconvenience to write about Claudia and Jamie's experience and send it to Saxonberg. What motivates her to do this?

8. This book primarily features three characters: Claudia, Jamie, and Mrs. Frankweiler. Why did Konigsburg choose to focus on such a small cast?

9. How would the story change if Konigsburg included more about Claudia's parents, particularly their reactions to her running away?

10. The story is set in the late 1960s. How might it differ if it took place today? In what ways would it remain the same?

11. Claudia and Jamie establish a routine at the museum similar to their home life, including balanced meals, a regular bedtime, and education. To what extent do they truly run away, and to what extent do they bring aspects of home with them?

12. Given the extensive security measures most museums employ, how likely is it that Claudia and Jamie could sneak into the Metropolitan Museum and remain undetected for the duration they do?