Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl is a charming and engaging memoir that showcases Dahl's storytelling brilliance. Readers appreciate the vivid, humorous recollections of his early life. However, some critique the occasional harshness in his descriptions. Overall, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the experiences that shaped a beloved author.

Readers who enjoyed James and the Giant Peach and Charlotte's Web will relish Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl. Fans of whimsical, autobiographical tales filled with humor and insightful glimpses into a celebrated author's life will find this memoir captivating and delightful. Ideal for middle graders and nostalgic adults alike.

Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl recounts Dahl’s formative years in Wales and England, painting a vivid picture of his family’s trials and joyous moments, mischievous adventures, and the harshness of British boarding schools, ending with his decision to find adventure outside England and join the Royal Air Force. The book includes frequent episodes of violence and child abuse.

Nostalgic / Humorous / Playful / Informative / Bittersweet

- Roald Dahl's autobiography Boy: Tales of Childhood includes a recollection of his time at Llandaff Cathedral School, where he and his friends orchestrated the famous "Great Mouse Plot" as a prank against a local sweet shop owner.
- The vivid and sometimes harsh experiences Dahl recounts in Boy: Tales of Childhood provide insight into the inspirations behind the creative and often dark themes present in his later works of fiction for children.
- Although not officially banned, Boy: Tales of Childhood has been challenged in some schools and libraries for its candid portrayal of the physical punishments Dahl and his peers experienced in British boarding schools of the era.

**Roald Dahl**  
A beloved and widely celebrated author known for his fictional short stories and novels for children, as well as poetry and screenplays. His works, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Matilda, have been adapted for the screen.

**Harald Dahl**  
Roald Dahl’s father, an ambitious Norwegian who influenced Dahl with his passion for art and his good humor, but passed away when Dahl was three. Harald’s influence and Norwegian heritage play a significant role in Dahl’s upbringing.

**Sofie Magdalene Dahl**  
Dahl’s exceptionally supportive and loving mother, who continued to correspond with him throughout her life. She played a crucial role in his childhood by advocating for him and celebrating his achievements.

**Headmaster (Repton)**  
The Headmaster at Repton, representing the cruelty Dahl faced in his schooling, known for using a cane as punishment while preaching about forgiveness. This figure exemplifies the harsh environment of Dahl’s educational experiences.

Roald Dahl

Middle grade

Autobiography / Memoir

Roald Dahl's Autobiography

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Boy: Tales of Childhood reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Boy: Tales of Childhood | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Boy: Tales of Childhood and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Boy: Tales of Childhood Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Starting Point”

Part 1 Boy: Tales of Childhood Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Llandaff Cathedral School, 1923-5 (age 7-9)”

Part 2 Boy: Tales of Childhood Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “St. Peter’s, 1925-9 (age 9-13)”

Part 3 Boy: Tales of Childhood Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Repton and Shell, 1929-36 (age 13-20)”

Part 4 Boy: Tales of Childhood Part 4 Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

Boy: Tales of Childhood Key Figures

theme

Themes

Boy: Tales of Childhood Themes

Index of Terms

Boy: Tales of Childhood Index of Terms

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

Boy: Tales of Childhood Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Boy: Tales of Childhood Essay Topics

Boy: Tales of Childhood

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Boy: Tales of Childhood?

Reading Age

Book Details