When Claudia decided to run away from home, she meticulously planned her escape to teach her parents a lesson about appreciation for her. Her destination? The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she and her brother Jamie would live in comfort. Claudia saved up money and invited Jamie along, partly because he was thrifty and had extra funds. As clever organizers, the siblings quickly established themselves at the museum, but their fun soon turned into a challenge when they discovered an enigmatic statue that seemed to hold the key to solving a mystery—and finding a way home.

Their quest led them to the former owner of the statue, Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, whose story intertwined with their own. Without her guidance and support, Claudia might have remained trapped in the museum indefinitely, forever questioning what made the statue so special. This Newbery Medal-winning tale is a delightful exploration of adventure, curiosity, and the unexpected turns that life can take.