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

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key plot points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Prologue-Chapter 3

Reading Check

1. To whom is Mrs. Frankweiler’s letter addressed?

2. What game does Jamie play on the bus with his friend?

3. What does Jamie do with the written instructions Claudia gives him after he finishes reading them?

4. How does Claudia calm Jamie down when he begs to go to Central Park instead of the museum?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. Why does Claudia select the Metropolitan Museum of Art as her destination?

2. Summarize Claudia’s reasons for running away from home.

3. Why does Claudia select Jamie to accompany her?

4. How does the relationship between Claudia and Jamie change in the moment they compliment each other after picking out a place to sleep?

Paired Resource

“Why They Run Away From Home”

• This New York Times article discussing the trend of children running away from home was published in 1964, just three years before From the Mixed-Up Files was published.
• This supports the theme of Self-Discovery Through Adventure.
• How do Claudia’s motivations for running away from home match or differ from the trends identified in the article?