Inside Charlie's Chocolate Factory: The Complete Story of Willy Wonka, The Golden Ticket, and Roald Dahl's Most Famous Creation

Gr 6 Up— In time for the 50th anniversary of Roald Dahl's classic, this work takes an in-depth look at the origins of the iconic tale of Charlie and his golden ticket. In an almost-scholarly tone, each chapter covers a distinct topic, such as the British author's inspiration for the beloved title, the book's impact on popular culture, and comparisons among and the reception of the various film and stage adaptations. Part biography, part history, Managan's work explores Dahl's tragic family history and relationships with the editors and illustrators that helped him bring his iconic story to life. Especially interesting is the discussion of the initial critical reactions (even mostly harsh ones from the librarian community), because of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory's irreverent humor and hard honest look at the flaws of the human character. Kids might be turned off by the nostalgic sensibility of the text and the sometimes over-the-top (and corny) jokes, but this title will especially strike a chord with fans of Dahl's work, students of classic children's literature, and those interested in the early days of modern publishing. The thorough back matter, including archival, full-color photos; extensive bibliography and further reading lists; delightful illustrations and reproductions; and quotations from those intimately connected with the various iterations, make this a stand-out title for creative writing, English, popular culture, film, and kid lit courses. Especially useful for making comparisons across media, this book ensures that Dahl's legacy will endure as long as an everlasting gobstopper.—Shelley Diaz, School Library Journal