The Hobbit

The Hobbit - J.R.R. Tolkien
George Allen and Unwin - 1937

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Reading Level: 10+  Number of Pages: 310 Genre: Fiction/Fantasy

nominated for the Carnegie Medal 

New York Herald Tribune best juvenile fiction of the year (1938).

Most Important 20th-Century Novel in the Children's Books of the Century poll in Books for Keeps

Summary: Bilbo the hobbit lives in the Shire, and never does anything out of the ordinary, and never has any crazy adventures. One day, Gandalf the wizard happens by his house, and Bilbo's life changes. He soon finds himself on a journey with thirteen dwarves on a mission to avenge their people and defeat the mighty dragon, Smaug. Their journey takes them by trolls, through Mirkwood, where they encounter giant spiders, and down into a goblins' lair, where Bilbo makes a fantastic discovery. Bilbo discovers a magical ring which has the power to make him invisible, and has to outsmart a strange creature named Gollum to keep it. The ring comes in handy as he continues on his journey with his companions, and helps him rescue them on the way. After the dragon is defeated by some people who live near the mountain where Smaug lives, Bilbo and the dwarves return home, their lives enriched by the dragon's wealth.

    

"In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. . ."

My Impressions: This is a fantastic book, yet many people wonder why it qualifies as childrens' literature. This qualifies itself as a classic tale, so why not acquaint children with it? I find the story to be inventive and fraught with danger, yet complex and inspiring in a way that generates introspection.  I believe readers of this book will come away from it enriched and inspired.

 

Parent's Guide: No real problems. There is some goblin-slaying and a dragon definitely gets shot, but otherwise little violence, although there is danger.

Recommendations: Seriously. Read this book.