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Matilda

(2005, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Roald Dahl, Illustrated by Quentin Blake)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Kid genius gets revenge on stupid, mean adults.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 6 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    There is no love between Matilda and her parents, upon whom she exacts revenge for their awful behavior toward her.
  • Violence:

    Miss Trunchbull throws children out windows, picks them up and swings them around by their hair, and locks them in a tiny room with spikes in the walls, though no one is actually harmed by any of this.
  • Sex:

  • Language:

  • Consumerism:

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

 

What Parents Need to Know

About Matilda

Parents need to know that, like much of Dahl's work, this book delights children even as it troubles adults. Were it not in a humorous fantasy, Miss Trunchbull's behavior would be considered abuse, where it is not downright impossible. The relationship between Matilda and her parents is also one of mutual dislike, and children are shown exacting revenge on adults. Still, it's all played for fun and laughs, and young readers certainly know not to take it seriously.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about topics like fairness, revenge, adult/child power relationships, and the nature of intelligence. Do you think Matilda is justified in playing tricks on her parents? On Miss Trunchbull? (And what do you think Miss Trunchbull might have been like as a little girl about Matilda's age?) If you had Matilda's powers to move things with your mind, how would you use them? Do you agree with the ways in which Matilda used them?

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Our Members Say

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See all 30 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    to people all around dah world

    i like and so does my sister ,i'm sure you'll like it too

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    For everyone.

    This book is amazing! But the violence and the meaness is exagurated.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0

    awesome!

    This is a good book

  5. I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    One of the best!

    I enjoyed the book more than anything. It was really nice. I was fascinated when I found out that Matilda could read such big books when she was so young at age. I wish I was that lucky. About her family I will say that they are the worst. I don't want parents like them. I don't think that only a cook book is needed for a house. About the principle Trunchbull I would like to say that it is the most APPROPRIATE name for her! I really hate the annoying fat lady! As for Ms.Honey, I wish I had a sister just like her. I mean as good and kind at heart. I was really sad when I found out that she had no home and things like that about her sad life. This is a TERRIFIC read! C'mon. What are you waiting for? Get it. Read it!

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