69 pages • 2 hours read
Roald DahlMatilda
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1988A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Roald Dahl’s Matilda, a brilliant young girl, unloved by her ignorant and selfish family, discovers she has telekinetic powers. She befriends her kind teacher, Miss Honey, and uses her abilities to stand up to the tyrannical headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, ultimately helping Miss Honey reclaim her rightful home. Themes of child abuse and neglect are present.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Roald Dahl’s Matilda is lauded for its charming, clever protagonist and whimsical narrative style, captivating both young and adult readers. Critics praise its humor and underlying message of empowerment. However, some find certain characters' exaggerated cruelty unsettling. Overall, it remains a beloved classic for its imaginative storytelling and moral depth.
Who Should Read Matilda?
Readers who delight in witty, adventurous, and heartwarming stories featuring clever, resourceful children will treasure Matilda by Roald Dahl. Fans of L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz and Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland will appreciate its blend of fantasy and charm.
RecommendedReading Age
8-12yearsLexile Level
840LBook Details
Fantasy
Classic Fiction
Children's Literature
Relationships: Family
Values/Ideas: Literature
Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance
Bullying