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4.32 AVERAGE
4.32 AVERAGE
One of my favorite books from my childhood - reread it to use in my children's literature class :)
Best for: Kids. Adults. Humans. Other.
In a nutshell: Very smart young woman Matilda uses her mind to fight back against those who treat her — and the people she cares about — poorly.
Line that sticks with me: “Of course you looked! You must have looked! No one in the world could give the right answer just like that, especially a girl! You’re a little cheat, madam, that’s what you are! A cheat and a liar!”
Why I chose it: As part of our library’s summer reading challenge, one of the BINGO squares is a book recommended by a young person. My eight-year-old niece recommended this one.
Review: I don’t think I’ve ever read a Roald Dahl book. I know, I know. No James and the Giant Peach, no BFG. I first heard about Matilda through Mara Wilson’s (grown-up) writing a few years back, since she played her in the film. So I had a very basic understanding of the book’s plot, but not much more than that.
I started it at lunch and didn’t put it down until I was done. I loved how smart and kind and capable Matilda is. I loved that she uses her brain to help people, but also that she isn’t so absurdly wise beyond her years that you don’t believe she’s only five. And I loved that it showed sometimes adults are wrong and sometimes adults are right. That you kids should speak up for themselves.
I do have to say … as lovely as Miss Honey is, she and all the other adults at the school really were completely failing at protecting those children from Miss Trunchbull. I don’t care how intimidated you are by your boss, if she treats kids that way you do something about it. Yikes.
In a nutshell: Very smart young woman Matilda uses her mind to fight back against those who treat her — and the people she cares about — poorly.
Line that sticks with me: “Of course you looked! You must have looked! No one in the world could give the right answer just like that, especially a girl! You’re a little cheat, madam, that’s what you are! A cheat and a liar!”
Why I chose it: As part of our library’s summer reading challenge, one of the BINGO squares is a book recommended by a young person. My eight-year-old niece recommended this one.
Review: I don’t think I’ve ever read a Roald Dahl book. I know, I know. No James and the Giant Peach, no BFG. I first heard about Matilda through Mara Wilson’s (grown-up) writing a few years back, since she played her in the film. So I had a very basic understanding of the book’s plot, but not much more than that.
I started it at lunch and didn’t put it down until I was done. I loved how smart and kind and capable Matilda is. I loved that she uses her brain to help people, but also that she isn’t so absurdly wise beyond her years that you don’t believe she’s only five. And I loved that it showed sometimes adults are wrong and sometimes adults are right. That you kids should speak up for themselves.
I do have to say … as lovely as Miss Honey is, she and all the other adults at the school really were completely failing at protecting those children from Miss Trunchbull. I don’t care how intimidated you are by your boss, if she treats kids that way you do something about it. Yikes.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Matilda: Dahl is a master at gleeful revenge and satisfying justice.
This book is much darker than I remember it being as a kid. Picked it up for a reread on a whim and will probably remove it from the classroom library. The content isn't quite appropriate for third graders.
I liked the movie more tbh but the book was pretty good.
My daughter and I (and my son at times) thoroughly enjoyed this book! We listened to the audio book read by Kate Winslet and she was hilarious in her voices. She told a wonderful book in a unique way. We loved it!
I love all the pictures in this book because Ronald Dahl used so many funny words I didn't know what they meant so I looked at the pictures! I think this book is amazing ! I think it was funny! I recommend it to anyone who has a imagination!! (Brooklyn, 8)
I like Matilda because she's smart and she can pick stuff up with her eyes, which is cool. If you like girls as heroes, you should read this book. Also, Miss Honey is nice and Miss Trunchbull is mean. (Autumn, 5)
I like Matilda because she's smart and she can pick stuff up with her eyes, which is cool. If you like girls as heroes, you should read this book. Also, Miss Honey is nice and Miss Trunchbull is mean. (Autumn, 5)