This is Roald Dahl firing on all cylinders. The BFG has everything that makes his books endure: inventive language that makes reading feel like play, a warm friendship at the center, genuine stakes, and just enough darkness to make it thrilling without being traumatic.

The invented giant-speak is legitimately brilliant—kids who read this start making up their own words, which is exactly the kind of linguistic play that builds strong readers and writers. Sophie is a fantastic protagonist: brave, clever, and active in her own story. The BFG himself is one of Dahl's most lovable creations.

Yes, it's from 1982 (not 2007—that's just this edition), and yes, some of the pacing feels slower than modern middle-grade. But unlike some classics that feel like homework, The BFG still lands with kids today. The humor works, the heart works, and the imagination is timeless.

If your kid is ready for chapter books with some meat on them, this is a fantastic choice. It's scary enough to be exciting, funny enough to keep them engaged, and warm enough that they'll remember it years later.