James and the Giant Peach 

• Genre: Fiction; fantasy; children’s literature 
• Originally Published: 1961 
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 870L; grades 3-7 
• Structure/Length: Approximately 176 pages; audiobook length approximately 3 hours and 18 minutes  
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: James Henry Trotter, a young boy who lives with two cruel aunts after his parents’ death, discovers a giant enchanted peach. The central conflict revolves around James’s adventures inside the peach with a group of anthropomorphic insects as they embark on a journey to New York City. The story explores themes of friendship, adventure, and triumph over adversity. 
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Mild peril and fantasy violence; themes of child abuse/neglect by the aunts; whimsical but potentially frightening situations involving oversized creatures; references to death

Roald Dahl, Author 

• Bio: Born in 1916 in Wales to Norwegian parents; died in 1990; a British author, Dahl’s children’s stories are known for their unexpected endings, dark humor, and the portrayal of adult villains versus child heroes. His work remains immensely popular, influencing children’s literature, movies, and educational materials. 
• Other Works: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964); The BFG (1982); The Witches (1983); Matilda (1988)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• The Strength of Love, Friendship, and Trust to Overcome Adversity
• Acceptance Without Judgment or Preconception
• The Role of Optimistic Perseverance in Happy Endings