Inspiring People

Roald Dahl, Sept 13th 1916 - Nov 23rd 1990

Some of the qualities of Roald Dahl are that he was extremely creative as well as having great wisdom.

� He was born in Wales
� He had a large family with step brothers and sisters
� His father and sister died when he was young
� He loved his mother - he based the grandmother in 'Witches' on her
� He hated school
� Many of his stories are based on his childhood experiences e.g. his love of sweets and chocolate - 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'
� During the war Dahl worked in America writing for a newspaper where the editor recognised his talent as a writer
� His early career as a writer was spent writing fiction for adults
� Then he began to write for children and achieved much greater success even though he describes this as more difficult
� He eventually settled in Buckinghamshire, England
� Dahl married twice and lost two children
� He had many passions including greyhound racing
� He died of a rare blood disorder aged 74
� His stories can be used as great teaching and learning resources such as looking at the character, plot development and moral issues in 'Danny the Champion of the World' and 'Matilda'.