Editor-reviewed
Matilda
Roald Dahl·1988·Jonathan Cape·Children
Reading level: Ages 7–12 (middle grade) · 4-hour read · Beginner difficulty.
- Reading time
- 4h
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Recommended age
- Ages 7–12
- Guide read
- 4min
- Editor's rating
- 4.5 / 5
- middle-grade
- roald-dahl
- school
- gifted-child
- funny-books
For parents
More age-near children's picks
— In one sentence —
A funny, sharp chapter book about a brilliant child, cruel adults, a kind teacher, and the pleasure of reading as power.
§ 01 · WHY READ
Why read
Matilda is one of the strongest chapter books for children who want to feel that reading gives them power.
It is funny, fast, and mean in the Roald Dahl way. Parents should know the adult cruelty is exaggerated, but it is still the fuel of the story.
§ 02 · CHARACTERS
Characters / people
Matilda is brilliant and lonely. Miss Honey is the adult who sees her. The Wormwoods and Miss Trunchbull are comic villains.
§ 03 · HIGHLIGHTS
Three highlights
No. 1 - Reader fantasy. Books are Matilda's refuge and weapon.
No. 2 - Fast payoff. The plot moves quickly for a chapter book.
No. 3 - Strong justice. Children who dislike unfair adults usually love the ending.
§ 04 · EDITIONS
Recommended editions
| Edition | Why pick it |
|---|---|
| Puffin paperback | Good everyday copy. |
| Illustrated editions | Quentin Blake's art is part of the classic feel. |
§ 05 · FIT
Who it's for / not for
Best for ages 7-10. Preview if your child is sensitive to cruel adults or school humiliation.
§ 06 · TIPS
Reading tips
Talk about exaggeration. Dahl's adults are often monsters in comic form, not realistic portraits.
§ 07 · COMPARE
Read alongside
- Arnold Lobel - Frog and Toad Are Friends.
- E. B. White - Charlotte's Web.
- J. K. Rowling - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
§ 08 · DISCUSSION
Discussion questions
- Why does reading matter so much to Matilda?
- Which adult is the most unfair?
- Is the book kind, mean, or both?
One line to remember
“A confidence book for children who like clever kids beating cruel adults.”— bibliotecas editorial note
Appears in collections
Reading lists featuring this book
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