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Matilda Book Summary and Study Guide

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of Matilda


   Poor Matilda has grown up in a family that scoffs at reading for enjoyment and demands that the family eat their dinner in front of the television every night. Matilda desperately wants to go to school and the public library, but her parents say no. So, Matilda teaches herself to read and by the time she is five and a half years old, she has secretly read all the books in the children's section of the public library! Reading is not Matilda's only amazing skill; she can also do double-digit mathematics problems and make things move with her mind!
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   Matilda is finally allowed to go to school, but quickly learns that the Headmistress, Mrs. Trunchbull, is even more cruel and unfair than her neglectful parents. Matilda's teacher is Mrs. Trunchbull's niece, Miss Honey, and she is lovely and kind. Miss Honey takes a special interest in Matilda and tries to make her parents understand how unique their daughter is. In turn, Matilda wants to help Miss. Honey and make her school a less frightening place. Matilda is a gifted little girl, but can she defeat both Mrs. Trunchbull and her parents?
The review of this Book prepared by Serena Gutnik




Matilda is a small girl with unknown magical powers. Her parents ignore her and she learns to look after herself. Matilda is sent to a wicked school with an evil head mistress. The headmistress's niece is Matilda's teacher, she is very sweet to children.
The review of this Book prepared by Joanna Gibson




Matilda is a four-year-old genius stuck with a trashy, overbearing family. Using her superior intellect, she manages to get back at them a few times through very clever strategy.
    However, when she starts school, she is faced with her mortifying headmistress, the terrible Miss Trunchbull. Compared to two-hundred pounds of solid muscle, Matilda is at a serious disadvantage. Soon, both brains and brawn are put to the test in this crazy, thoughtful, delightful story by a classic author.
The review of this Book prepared by Brenna Saunders



Chapter Analysis of Matilda

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Plot & Themes

Tone of book?    -   upbeat Time/era of story    -   1980's-1999 Kids growing up/acting up?    -   Yes Is this an adult or child's book?    -   Age 11-14 Age group of kid(s) in story:    -   grade school Something wrong upstairs/downstairs?    -   coping with special abilities Parents/lack of parents problem?    -   rebelling against parent's expectations    -   parental abuse

Main Character

Gender    -   Female Profession/status:    -   student Age:    -   a kid Has magical powers?    -   Yes Magical/mental powers of main character:    -   telekinesis Ethnicity/Nationality    -   White (American) Unusual characteristics:    -   Genius

Setting

How much descriptions of surroundings?    -   3 () City?    -   Yes Small town?    -   Yes Small town people:    -   nice, like Andy/Opie/Aunt Bee

Writing Style

Amount of dialog    -   roughly even amounts of descript and dialog

Books with storylines, themes & endings like Matilda

Roald Dahl Books Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
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