Books like Matilda

Looking for books like Matilda by Roald Dahl (Middle Grade Fiction · 840L · grades 3–6)? It’s most often read for its themes of intelligence, overcoming neglect, and teacher-student bond. The 10 titlesbelow are the closest matches in the ReadingList database — each scored on shared themes, genre, and reading level, and each linked to the curricula, states, and grades where it’s assigned, with primary sources.

These are reading-level matches, not just topical ones — so the picks stay grade-appropriate for a grades 3–6 reader. See how we judge text difficulty on our methodology page.

10 books similar to Matilda

Why each is a match

Frindle830L
Shares themes of intelligence, same genre (Middle Grade Fiction), and a close reading level (830L vs 840L).
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH790L
Shares themes of intelligence, same genre (Middle Grade Fiction), and a close reading level (790L vs 840L).
Out of My Mind700L
Shares themes of intelligence, same genre (Middle Grade Fiction), and a close reading level (700L vs 840L).
Ramona Quimby, Age 8860L
Same genre (Middle Grade Fiction), a close reading level (860L vs 840L), and the same era (1980s).
Holes660L
Shares themes of justice, same genre (Middle Grade Fiction), and a close reading level (660L vs 840L).
Maniac Magee820L
Same genre (Middle Grade Fiction) and a close reading level (820L vs 840L).
Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet820L
Same genre (Middle Grade Fiction) and a close reading level (820L vs 840L).
The Mouse and the Motorcycle860L
Same genre (Middle Grade Fiction) and a close reading level (860L vs 840L).
James and the Giant Peach870L
Same genre (Middle Grade Fiction) and a close reading level (870L vs 840L).
The Hundred Dresses870L
Same genre (Middle Grade Fiction) and a close reading level (870L vs 840L).

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