Age rating and parents' guide:Matilda
by Roald Dahl
Ages 9–11
Matilda by Roald Dahl is best for children aged 9–11. It has mild violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Mean adults (comic).
Matilda Wormwood is an extraordinarily bright little girl, but her selfish parents treat her like a nuisance. When she starts school, she finds a warm friend in her teacher, Miss Honey, but faces a terrifying headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, who despises children. Matilda soon discovers she possesses a surprising special power that just might help her fight back. Packed with Dahl's signature mischievous humor, it is a fun, empowering story about brains triumphing over bullies.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- Mild
- Scary moments
- Mild
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Worth knowing: Mean adults (comic)
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Early chapter book
- Easy to get into from the first page
- Plenty of illustrations
- Emotionally light
- A good pick for reluctant readers
Great for kids who like
- Action & Adventure
- Friendship
Reading mood
- Adventurous
- Suspenseful
Good to talk about
- Friendship
- Survival & resilience
Books like Matilda
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