Claudia is a planner and when she decides to run away from home, she not only hand picks which sibling is lucky enough to accompany her, but she knows exactly where she’s going to go. Not one for roughing it, Claudia has chosen her brother Jamie, because he’s the richest and has decided to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The concept is sheer brilliance on the part of Konigsberg. What could be a more perfect setting for setting up a home away from home. I love the premise; I love Claudia and Jamie; I love how they become completely enthralled by an art mystery; I love how the trip makes them closer than they’ve ever been before.
The only drawbacks to this book are that it is reasonably dated, and it is pretty hard for kids. Let’s talk about the latter first. This is one of those books that adults love for kids to love. And as such, it is often pushed on children well before they are ready to read it. I would argue that even my gifted third grade students usually won’t do well with it. Oh sure, they’ll read it, and they’ll understand enough of it, but often, they won’t like it. This is sometimes a question of taste, but often it is also a sign that a book is not the right reading level. How can you fully enjoy all the nuance and emotion and interest in the book if you’re only getting the general idea of what is going on? I would definitely keep this for very advanced fourth graders or older.
And yes, it is of another time. The money amounts quoted throughout are extremely dated in a way that will probably amuse readers. A number of out-dated references such as typewriters, carbon copy and an automat may also stump a modern audience. But the general safety and security of today’s world are what would make this adventure much less plausible today. From the children hiding on their school bus, to being able to avoid detection at the museum, today’s culture will not allow for Claudia and James’s deception. Readers with a fondness for days past or with the ability to suspend disbelief will get far more enjoyment out of this book than those that are sticklers for accuracy.
This is an absolutely brilliant New York book. The Museum is such an amazingly important part of the city. Some may find themselves shocked to learn that the Museum of Metropolitan Art is free for Jamie and Claudia, but I’ll let you in on a little secret. The Museum is still free. The admission charge (currently $25 for adults) is recommended. As a supporter and great believer in the arts, I firmly believe that you should pay the $25 if you can in any way afford it. But I love the fact that if for some reason, you are someone who does not have the ability to pay the $25 due to poverty or whatever else life has handed you, that you can still see all of this important and beautiful art. An extra entertainment for those familiar with the museum, check out the maps in the book! They are so small! The Met has hugely expanded since then.
Sex, Nudity, Dating – Claudia incorrectly assumes that Jamie chooses to look at Renaissance art because of the naked bosomy ladies. In reality he hopes to bore her. They discuss that cupids are naked. An illustration shows them bathing in the fountain. They are naked but other than bottoms, all private parts are covered.
Profanity – “brat”, “fussbudget”, “cheapskate”,
Death, Violence and Gore – Claudia is against hitchhiking because you could get mugged, kidnapped or robbed. A bed at the museum labels itself as the scene of an alleged murder. Claudia pushes Jamie to keep him from being photographed. Claudia’s mother worries the children have been bruised or maimed.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – Jamie drinks coffee which isn’t drugs or alcohol but certainly not a drink for an elementary school aged boy. They find a candy bar which Claudia fears has been poisoned with marijuana. She goes on for a bit about how dope pushers hook children on dope through chocolate. Claudia speculates that a workman was drinking beer.
Frightening or Intense Things – Children run away from home to the city.
I adore this book and just re-read it this summer.