Matilda

Author: Roald Dahl
Publisher: Viking Kestrel, 1988
Length: 240 pages
Ages: 9-11

It would be remiss not to include a classic piece of children’s literature in this list. Matilda has been delighting children since its publication in 1988, and is a shining example of Dahl’s trademark wit and whimsy. Matilda is a character-driven story of an unappreciated but extraordinary child genius who is gifted with telekinetic powers. Dismissed by her family and the diabolical school principal Miss Trunchbull, Matilda forms a friendship with her kind, sweet-natured yet unfortunate teacher Miss Honey. This is a longer read to challenge those entering the world of junior literature, suitable for ages 9 to 11. The warmth and charm of Dahl’s writing style and the loose, spirited illustrations of the legendary Quentin Blake have proven to convert even resistant readers into fiction fanatics.

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