The topic of suicide and murder is raised. I am working with a 3rd grade group and think this book is beyond them. 4th or 5th grade might be better. Child abuse at home and school is rampant, but by the 7th chapter kids seem to understand very easily this is a work of fiction and the over-the-top punishments would not happen to them.

OK. i will say that it is clever. i have problems w/ it tho. first, her parents ahve no love and no morals. the father is a crooked used car salesman and the mother could care less. the brother is a twit. and all the adults, save miss honey, are unsensitive, stupid, and just plain lame. the headmistress throws children through the air by their hair, lifts them up by their ears, and locks in cupboards full of spikes, to name a few. matilda is a genius, and 'keeps her sanity' by running circles around every adult she chooses. and there is a large role of telekinesis. otherwise, it stresses the role of friendship, intelligence, and justice. matilda has a best friend who sticks through the whole book. amazing. great read for 4-5 grades, because they will understand all the little intricacies of roald dahl.

Matilda Wormwood is a good girl! Her parents like her brother better!

its fine