Children's · Fantasy
Matilda
Bestseller: about 17 million copies (estimate)A small, brilliant girl who loves books is ignored by her crooked parents and bullied by a terrifying headmistress. She discovers she has a strange power and a kind teacher who sees her worth.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1988
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 240
- Format
- Part of The Roald Dahl Classic Collection
Read this if you want a funny, empowering story about a clever child beating bullies.
Skip this if you dislike cartoonishly cruel adults, even when played for laughs.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about Matilda
- What is Matilda about?
- A small, brilliant girl who loves books is ignored by her crooked parents and bullied by a terrifying headmistress. She discovers she has a strange power and a kind teacher who sees her worth.
- Who should read Matilda?
- Read it if you want a funny, empowering story about a clever child beating bullies. Skip it if you dislike cartoonishly cruel adults, even when played for laughs.
- How long and how fast is Matilda?
- It is a fast-paced, short read of about 240 pages, first published in 1988.
- Does Matilda have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Bullying, Abuse.
- Can I borrow Matilda for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Matilda; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Matilda?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The BFG, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Holes.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Libro.fm | Check price | Buy audiobook from Libro.fm |
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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