Matilda

What do our readers think of Matilda? (Generated from the text of reviews of the book)

Children often find the book funny, exciting and inspiring, especially because Matilda is clever, brave and stands up to cruel adults. Some children find the bullying, shouting and darker scenes unsettling, particularly when Miss Trunchbull mistreats pupils.

What does the Pageticker team say about Matilda?

We love Matilda for its sparkling humour, unforgettable characters and celebration of cleverness, reading and courage. Dahl creates a thrilling, empowering story in which kindness and imagination help a child face unfair adults. There are darker scenes of bullying, neglect and cartoonish violence and overeating, Bruce.

Genres

What is Matilda about?

Matilda is a clever young girl with extraordinary powers, but her parents ignore her and her headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, is a cruel bully. With courage and a little magic, Matilda must stand up for herself and her friends.

About the author

Roald Dahl was a brilliant British author who wrote many fantastic stories for children. He is best known for books like 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', 'Matilda', and 'The BFG'. His stories are full of imagination, unusual characters, and exciting adventures that have delighted readers all around the world.

Discussion ideas around Matilda

The power of reading: How do books help Matilda understand the world and cope with the people around her?

Standing up to unfairness: What makes Matilda brave, and what different kinds of courage do the children and adults show?

Good and bad adults: How are Miss Honey, Matilda’s parents and Miss Trunchbull different in the way they treat children?

Intelligence and kindness: Is being clever enough to make someone a good person, or do Matilda’s choices show that something else matters too?

Imagining the future: What might Matilda be like as a grown-up, and how could her childhood shape the stories she writes?