Families who loved Matilda at 30: Chief Executive of the British Library by Roald Dahl often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child expresses a need for agency, or when they are navigating feelings of injustice or being misunderstood by authority figures. It is a brilliant choice for children who find solace in books and those who might feel like they do not quite fit into their family dynamic. Matilda is a story about a gifted girl who uses her sharp intellect and magical abilities to reclaim power from neglectful parents and a tyrannical headmistress. It explores deep themes of justice, standing up for oneself, and finding a chosen family. While the antagonists are hyperbolically cruel, the story provides immense comfort by showing that intelligence and kindness can triumph over physical strength and bullying. It is a celebratory anthem for the underdog and the bookworm alike.
