Matilda

Reach for this book when your child feels overlooked by adults or is struggling with the unfairness of a bully. Matilda is a brilliant young girl whose parents neglect her and whose headmistress is a terrifying tyrant. Despite these obstacles, Matilda uses her sharp intellect and newfound telekinetic powers to reclaim her agency. It is a triumphant exploration of justice, the importance of chosen family, and the idea that being small does not mean being powerless. While it features some darkly comedic depictions of adult cruelty, its heart lies in the redemptive power of kindness and the bond between a mentor and a student. It is a perfect choice for encouraging resilience and a love of reading in children aged 8 to 12.