Citation: Dahl, R. (1988). Matilda (Q. Blake, Illus.). Puffin Books.
Matilda Wormwood is a genius. At three years old, she had taught herself how to read. At four years old, she read every book in the children’s section at the library, and moved on to Dickens, Austen, and Orwell. At five years old, she begins primary school. While her parents had been mean and easily pranked, Miss Trunchbull is another level of cruel, not just to the children, but to Matilda’s sweet teacher Miss Honey. Matilda will need a miracle to get rid of The Trunchbull, and she may just get one.
Matilda’s love of reading is delightful, as is her trickster nature. While there are many bad adults in her life, Matilda also has positive relationships with the librarian and her teacher, who encourage her learning. A movie starring Mara Wilson in the titular role was released in 1996 and is a solid and rather faithful adaptation of the book. It is a classic and funny must-read for any book lover.