10+ Best Roald Dahl Books for 11-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read that captures the imagination of your tween? Look no further! Roald Dahl books for 11-year-olds are a treasure trove of whimsy and wonder, sure to keep your young reader hooked. From thrilling adventures to quirky characters, Dahl's stories are timeless. Keep reading to discover our top picks of Roald Dahl books for 11-year-olds that promise to spark a love of reading.

Fun Roald Dahl Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Young Charlie Bucket wins a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory, an adventure filled with fantastical inventions and secrets.
  • Why we recommend this book: It sparks imagination with its creative and vivid storytelling, making reading a delightful experience for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love magical adventures and dreaming big.

• Matilda by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Matilda is a brilliant and sensitive child, but her talents are constantly belittled by her cruel parents and headmistress. She discovers she has a special telekinetic gift and uses it to stand up to the bullies in her life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates intelligence and courage in the face of adversity, empowering young readers to believe in their own abilities.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who feel misunderstood or underappreciated, and anyone who loves stories of triumph over adversity.

• The BFG by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young girl named Sophie meets the Big Friendly Giant (BFG) who, unlike his peers, refuses to eat boys and girls. Together, they embark on a mission to stop the other giants from eating children.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a tale of friendship and courage with a lot of heart and humor, ideal for encouraging more reading.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories about unlikely friendships and adventures.

• James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After losing his parents, young James escapes his harsh, oppressive aunts by entering a giant magical peach. He embarks on a surreal cross-world adventure with a group of talking insect friends.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its imaginative plot and unique characters make reading fun and engaging, which is perfect for maintaining the interest of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids with a love for adventure and fantasy, and those who enjoy stories about overcoming obstacles.

• The Witches by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
  • Synopsis: A boy stumbles upon a secret gathering of witches, who despise children and have a plan to eliminate them from the world. With the help of his grandmother, he must stop their evil plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines suspense and humor to keep readers engaged, fostering a love for reading through its exciting narrative.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who like a bit of a thrill and tales of good versus evil.

Educational Roald Dahl Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Danny, the Champion of the World by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Family
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around a young boy named Danny and his father, who live in a caravan and hatch a plan to sabotage the pheasant hunt of the wealthy, greedy landowner Mr. Hazell.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, understanding of right and wrong, family bonding
  • Why we recommend this book: It showcases the bond between father and son through thrilling plans and adventures, promoting values of courage and integrity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories about teamwork and clever tactics, and those who appreciate tales of underdogs.

• George's Marvellous Medicine by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Humor
  • Synopsis: George decides to make a medicine to cure his grandmother's grumpiness, but the results are explosive. The medicine leads to a series of fantastical events with unexpected consequences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, problem-solving, consequences of actions
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and experimentation, wrapped up in a humorous and engaging story.
  • Perfect for: Children who love experimenting and those with a mischievous sense of humor.

• Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Animal Fiction
  • Synopsis: Mr. Fox steals food each night from three mean and wealthy farmers. The farmers, tired of Mr. Fox's thefts, try to catch him. Mr. Fox devises a plan to outsmart them and ensure his family's survival.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Strategic thinking, animal behavior, understanding of ecosystems
  • Why we recommend this book: It features clever tactics and a cunning hero, making it a thrilling read that teaches about resilience and wit.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy animal stories and rooting for clever heroes against the odds.

• The Twits by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Humor, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Mr. and Mrs. Twit are two ugly, mean, and nasty people who play cruel tricks on each other. Eventually, their mistreatment of animals and each other leads to a humorous comeuppance.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Moral lessons, humor, cause and effect
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a funny yet cautionary tale that teaches the importance of kindness and the consequences of bad behavior.
  • Perfect for: Kids who appreciate slapstick humor and stories with moral lessons.

Challenging Roald Dahl Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: The story follows a young boy, Billy, who meets a giraffe, a pelican, and a monkey. Together, they form the Ladderless Window-Cleaning Company and embark on various adventures, including cleaning windows for the Duke of Hampshire.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative introduces business concepts and vocabulary that are more complex, providing a good challenge for advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a sense of entrepreneurship and problem-solving that can inspire creativity and business-minded thinking.
  • Perfect for: Young entrepreneurs and animal lovers, and those who enjoy stories about teamwork and unique business ideas.

• Esio Trot by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: Mr. Hoppy devises a clever plan to win the heart of his neighbor, Mrs. Silver, by helping her tortoise grow using a fake magical spell.
  • Why this book is challenging: It uses a reverse acrostic and other wordplay that requires careful reading and comprehension, making it stimulating for advanced readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a charming story that teaches about patience, kindness, and the lengths one might go to for love.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy clever plots and learning about relationships and subtle humor.

• The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl, illustrated by Quentin Blake
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Social Justice
  • Synopsis: A girl with magical abilities uses her "magic finger" to teach her hunting-obsessed neighbors a lesson, turning them into birds to give them a taste of their own medicine.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores ethical dilemmas and social justice themes that require readers to think critically about right and wrong.
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes empathy and moral reasoning, encouraging readers to consider the impact of their actions on others.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in ethics and justice, and those who enjoy stories where characters undergo significant transformations.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the whimsical world of Roald Dahl with your 11-year-old, you're in for a treat! To make the most out of this reading adventure, here are some fun and effective exercises to develop good reading habits. These will not only enhance their understanding but also increase their enjoyment of the books.

• Create a Vocabulary List
  • What it is: Write down new and interesting words found in Roald Dahl's books.
  • How it helps: Expands vocabulary and helps in understanding the text better.
  • Tips: Use a notebook dedicated to new words and try to use these words in sentences throughout the week.

• Character Mapping
  • What it is: Draw a map or chart that shows the relationships between different characters.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and helps keep track of the story.
  • Tips: Update the map as you read more about the characters.

• Question Corners
  • What it is: Write down questions about the story before, during, and after reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances critical thinking and engagement with the text.
  • Tips: Share these questions with friends or family who are familiar with the book to discuss different perspectives.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write brief summaries of each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Aids in retaining information and understanding the plot development.
  • Tips: Keep summaries concise and highlight major events.

• Predict the Plot
  • What it is: Guess what might happen next after each chapter.
  • How it helps: Stimulates imagination and anticipatory skills.
  • Tips: Write down predictions and check how many were right as you progress.

• Book Review Blogging
  • What it is: Start a blog to write reviews of the books read.
  • How it helps: Develops writing skills and ability to critique literature.
  • Tips: Include both what you liked and didn’t like about the book, and why.

• Reading Aloud
  • What it is: Take turns reading chapters aloud with a parent or a friend.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and reading fluency.
  • Tips: Try using different voices for different characters to make it more fun.

• Illustrate Scenes
  • What it is: Draw or paint scenes from the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding through visualization and creativity.
  • Tips: Focus on details in the text to accurately depict the scenes.

These exercises are designed to make reading Roald Dahl's books not just an act of reading but an engaging, interactive experience. By integrating these activities into your reading routine, you’ll help your child develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the literature. Happy reading!