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All too often, kids find themselves facing bullies—whether it’s the kid on the bus who makes hurtful comments or even an unkind adult. But in the classic kids’ novel Matilda by Roald Dahl, one tiny but talented little girl uses her smarts to fight back against bullies.
The story introduces young Matilda Wormwood, a precocious little girl who’s generally neglected by her bingo-loving mother and her unscrupulous car dealer dad. Without the attention of her family, she teaches herself to read and begins reading the classics at four. When she finally begins school, Matilda’s sweet, young teacher, Miss Honey, is amazed by her intelligence, but Matilda’s parents and the school’s dreadful headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, believe that she’s a nuisance and a troublemaker. But when Matilda finally comes face to face with the dreaded Trunchbull, she finds herself capable of remarkable things.
Matilda tells a magical tale about a curious little girl who fights for what’s right and accomplishes some pretty amazing things in the process. She may be young—and most of the grown-ups around her may completely underestimate her—but she uses her strength and intelligence (and some other gifts as well) to fight back against cruelty and abuse.
Roald Dahl was never one to shy away from difficult situations. And just like little Charlie Bucket lived in poverty, poor Matilda is surrounded by appalling adults. Her mother is neglectful, and her father is the stereotypical used car salesman who swindles people out of their money and also verbally abuses his daughter. But worst of all is the school’s headmistress, who hates children and threatens them with all kinds of torture. While her actions may be so over-the-top that adults will find them laughable, she can be a bit scary for younger kids—like my daughter, whose sweet little heart broke a little bit whenever she heard about the terrible teacher.
Fortunately, clever little Matilda has no problem fighting back against those who hurt her and her friends. Of course, her actions might sometimes have parents holding their breath, hoping that their children don’t learn from the young heroine’s revenge on her neglectful parents and cruel teachers. And it might have you watching out for super glue on your favorite hat after forcing your child to eat kale for dinner. But it will also encourage kids to take a stand against bullies—no matter how big and powerful they may be.
Matilda isn’t a fluffy and brainless book for kids; it’s sometimes sad and sometimes scary. But this magical classic about a fearless little girl is sure to inspire young readers.
Listen to the review on Shelf Discovery:
