Matilda
by Roald Dahl
- Lexile
- 840L
- Grade range
- Grades 3–6
- Age range
- Ages 8–12
- Pages
- 240
- First published
- 1988
- Genre
- Middle Grade Fiction
- ISBN-13
- 9780142410370
About this book
A brilliant neglected girl discovers she has telekinetic powers and uses them to rescue her beloved teacher Miss Honey from the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull. Dahl's late masterpiece appears on state-recommended reading lists for grades 3-6 across the US.
Themes
- intelligence
- overcoming neglect
- teacher-student bond
- justice
Content notes
- child abuse
- cruel adults
Common Sense Media recommends age 8+.
Where this book is assigned
Common Core State Standards (ELA)
- recommended· 4th gradesource: CCSS ELA Appendix B, grades 4-5 exemplar
- recommended· 5th gradesource: CCSS ELA Appendix B, grades 4-5 exemplar
Similar grade-level books
Common questions
- What grade level is Matilda?
- Matilda is most commonly assigned in US schools in grades 3–6, with a Lexile measure of 840L. Specific grade placement varies by curriculum — AP Literature and IB English Literature typically use it in grades 11-12.
- What is the Lexile level of Matilda?
- Matilda has a Lexile measure of 840L according to MetaMetrics. Lexile measures text complexity, not content maturity — check the grade range and content notes separately for age-appropriateness.
- What curricula assign Matilda?
- Matilda appears on reading lists for Common Core State Standards (ELA). Each assignment on this site links to its primary-source citation.
- Is Matilda banned in schools?
- Matilda does not appear in PEN America's Index of School Book Bans 2022-2024. No documented multi-district removals on record, but individual districts may challenge titles locally.
- What themes does Matilda explore?
- Central themes in Matilda include intelligence, overcoming neglect, teacher-student bond, justice. These themes match how the book is discussed in most curriculum guides and AP Literature prompts.