Matilda

Matilda

Author: Roald Dahl

ISBN: 0142410373

Publisher: Puffin Books, 2007

Age: 8 and up

Genre: Comedy and Humor

Summary: Matilda is a child genius with great powers living with crass, idiot parents, one of which is a dishonest used car salesman, and the other a bingo addicted bimbo who regard Matilda as a scab. The only thing that gives her life any happiness is her discovery of literature and the local public library after she teaches herself to read at a very young age.  She lives for the day she is old enough to attend school.  Once she is old enough she is sent to school, but not just any school; she is sent to Crunchem Hall Primary School where the principal, Miss Trunchbull is a “tyrannical monster.”  Her adventures include her teacher, Miss Honey, Violet and many others.

Awards: Children’s Literature Association of Utah’s Beehive Award Winner, Rebecca Caudill Young Reader’s Book Award, Red House Children’s Book Award, Maryland Black Eyed Susan Book Award, Massachusetts Children’s Book Award, Nevada Young Reader’s Award for Intermediate Category, Virginia Readers’ Choice for Elementary, and Indian Paintbrush Book Award.

Read A-likes: The BFG, The Witches, and James and the Giant Peach.

Personal Thoughts: This book captures the interest of both boys and girls because of the intelligence and wit of the main character.  She also plays tricks and gets back at her parents for their stupid behavior, which is also something that appeals to kids for various reasons.  Matilda’s life is sad and hard, but it shows the readers that you can still be happy and find happiness in small things, even when things are hard.  Roald Dahl is well known and loved for his appealing and creative writing style that crosses all boundaries.