Chapter 10: Throwing the Hammer; Chapter 11: Bruce Bogtrotter and the Cake; Chapter 12: Lavender Summary

As the first week of school progresses, Matilda has no trouble making friends, and her first and best friend is a small, spunky girl named Lavender. They very quickly begin to hear stories about their Headmistress, "The Trunchbull" (pg. 102), starting with the fact that she detests the youngest children the most. However, in addition to hearing about the Trunchbull's behavior, they also hear about how students can get back at her by planning tricks and pranks. The students are often punished for their behavior, but it is all a part of the ongoing battle between them and Trunchbull.

Just as the girls finish hearing about how the Trunchbull was an Olympic Hammer Throw champion and that she likes to throw children...