The Chronicles of Narnia

Not sure if this is the right fit?

Consider Matilda by Roald Dahl. Recommended by 3 sources.

“Matilda follows a sharp, bookish child who contends with neglectful parents and a terrifying headmistress before discovering a strange power. The narrative is brisk, comic, and often gleefully mean: episodes of nastiness are played for dark humor and catharsis rather than realism. What works best is a quick, entertaining underdog tale that delights in clever comeuppance and celebrates imagination. Limitation: adults are caricatured, and the escalating cruelty may feel one-note or unsettling to readers who prefer subtler emotional stakes.”