Matilda
by Roald Dahl
Matilda is a brilliant, book-loving girl stuck with a cruel family and a terrifying headmistress at school. With her extraordinary mind — and a mysterious new power — she fights back against the adults who underestimate her.
Themes
✅ Why We Recommend This Book
A love letter to reading and intelligence. Matilda inspires children — especially bookish ones — to value their minds and never let anyone make them feel small. Roald Dahl's wit makes it a pure joy to read.
Five-year-old Matilda is a genius trapped in a family that doesn't appreciate her. Left alone by her neglectful parents, she reads every book in the library. At school, the terrifying Miss Trunchbull terrorizes the students — but Matilda and her kind teacher Miss Honey find a way to fight back using the extraordinary telekinetic powers Matilda begins to develop.
Reading Tips for Parents: This is a fantastic read-aloud book — Dahl's language is playful and perfect for dramatic performance. Use funny voices for the characters!
Discussion Questions:
- What do you admire most about Matilda?
- How does reading change Matilda's life? How has reading changed yours?
- What makes Miss Honey a good teacher?
- Is it ever okay to play tricks on adults who are being cruel?