The message at the heart of Matilda is so hopeful and uplifting. A David vs. Goliath story that encourages kids to fight their bullies and stand up for what's right. 

But you have to be ok with descriptions of pretty severe abuse and look past countless other issues, incl. fatphobia and body shaming, sexism and misogyny, classism, and ableist language. 

Re-reading this now, I didn't find it particularly funny and had to work hard to connect with the positive message at the story's core.