Can a child armed only with books, brains, and a bit of telekinesis take on the adult world and win?
If you’ve ever felt underestimated, overlooked, or just a little too clever for the room, Matilda is your anthem in book form. It’s more than a children’s story—it’s a quiet rebellion wrapped in pages and peppered with pranks.
Let’s be honest—who hasn’t dreamed of gluing their parent’s hat to their head after being unfairly punished? Or of making a tyrant of a headmistress believe in ghosts? (Just me?) Roald Dahl’s Matilda lets you live out those deliciously naughty fantasies—without a single detention.
Meet Matilda: A Girl With More Brains Than Birthday Candles
At three, she’s reading Dickens and Austen. At four, she’s devouring Orwell. By five? She’s outsmarting everyone in her orbit. Is she a genius? Obviously. Is she appreciated? Not even close.
Imagine being a child so bright that the library becomes your second home—but your parents think “reading” is a waste of time. Welcome to Matilda’s world, where the TV is king, and your intelligence is an inconvenience. How does she cope? She fights back the only way she knows how—creatively.
Revenge, Roald Dahl Style
Superglued hats. Hair bleach sabotage. A parrot-turned-ghost haunting. Who says justice can’t be hilarious?
There’s something thrilling about watching a small child take down adults with nothing but wit and imagination. Matilda doesn’t ask for sympathy—she asks for better. And when she doesn’t get it, she makes it herself. That’s power.
And just when you think this is a book about revenge, it turns. Telekinesis enters the scene. Wait, what? Magic? Yup. But somehow, it doesn’t feel out of place. Because Matilda’s greatest power isn’t moving chalk with her mind—it’s her belief that kindness and cleverness can change things.
Trunchbull vs. Honey: The Showdown of Extremes
If you’ve ever had a teacher who made you feel invincible—or one who made school a nightmare—you’ll recognise these two. Miss Trunchbull is the stuff of comic-book villainy: she flings children, tortures them with chocolate cake, and stomps through the school like a dictator in a tracksuit.
But Miss Honey? She’s warmth in a cardigan. She sees Matilda—not just her test scores, but her potential. Their bond is the heart of this book, a gentle reminder that sometimes, all it takes is one adult to believe in you.
A Book That Thinks Reading Can Save Your Life—Because It Can
Is it heavy-handed to say that books saved Matilda? Maybe. But let’s not pretend it’s untrue. In a world that belittles her, books tell her she belongs. She finds hope between the pages—hope, and a plan. The books she reads become her weapons, her comfort, her window to a better life.
If you ever needed proof that reading is a superpower, Matilda is it.
Scribbles That Spark Joy
Let’s not forget Quentin Blake’s art, either. His chaotic, joyful illustrations make you feel like you’re in on the joke. Like the world is messy and strange and full of possibility—and maybe that’s a good thing.
Beyond the Pages
Of course, Matilda didn’t stay in the book. She danced her way onto film in 1996, sang onto Broadway and the West End, and recently returned on Netflix with a musical flair. Somehow, each adaptation keeps the soul intact: the clever child, the monstrous adults, the satisfying payback.
Why does this story endure? Because we all remember what it felt like to be small in a big, unfair world—and how good it felt when someone finally listened.
Final Thought (Or Maybe Just a Dare)
Read Matilda again. Or for the first time. Laugh at the pranks. Rage at the injustice. Cheer for the child who refused to be silenced. And maybe—just maybe—check out a few books by Austen or Dickens, for Matilda’s sake.
Because if a little girl with nothing but a library card and a big brain can change her world, what’s stopping the rest of us?
Book of Excellence Award
This book is a winner of the Book of Excellence Award.
The Book of Excellence title is a year-round recognition awarded to books that demonstrate exceptional quality, originality, and impact. These works set a high standard in storytelling, creativity, and contribution to culture or thought.
Voting for The World’s Best Book Awards Readers’ Book of the Year title is now closed. The results are below.
Disclaimer: The book reviews on our platform are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The World’s Best Magazine. We do not offer blanket endorsements, as our goal is to provide thoughtful, objective reviews of award-winning books. While we only publish reviews of books recognized for their excellence, we understand that every reader may engage with them differently. Our reviews highlight each book’s unique aspects, acknowledging its strengths while offering an honest perspective to help readers make informed choices based on their individual tastes and preferences. This approach maintains the integrity of our reviews, respects the work of authors, and ensures the best value for our readers. In all cases, reader discretion is advised.
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