Matilda by Roald Dahl (1988)

One of Dahl’s most popular novels describes a precocious girl, Matilda, who reads the classics at age four but must live with neglectful parents. At school, she’s helped by a kind teacher who advances the girl’s education and protects her from the cruelties of a tyrannical principal. Comical, brutal, and touching, the book paints a heart-wrenching picture of the suffering of bright children, but it also shines a light on how a close friendship with a mentor—and a bit of magic—can make all the difference in a young person’s life. The book was illustrated by longtime Dahl associate Quentin Blake, and has been adapted into two films.

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Watership Down by Richard Adams (1972)

In Watership Down, a group of talking rabbits escape their endangered warren, travel cross-country in search of a new home, and struggle to thrive while protecting their new home from enemies. This bestselling book won multiple awards and has been adapted for screen, stage, and video games. As a meditation on courage, fairness, freedom, and respect for others and the environment, the book is a favorite of adults as well as children. Some scenes of violence may be too intense for younger readers.