Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

Ratings Explanation

Violence: Trolls take the dwarves captive and talk about how best to eat them. The Great Goblin is stabbed and killed. Several other goblins are also killed. Wolves’  fur catches on fire, burning them. Bilbo kills a lot of huge spiders with his knife. There is a great battle at the end of the book. The men, dwarves and elves fight against the goblins. Many are killed on both sides but there are no graphic descriptions.

Synopsis

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who loves his creature comforts. A cozy fire, a good pipe and plenty of food are all he really needs to be content. So when Gandolf the magician stops by with an offer of adventure and excitement, he quickly declines. But then 13 dwarves arrive, tempting him with promises of great wealth and lands never seen, and Bilbo finally agrees to accompany them.

This great adventure tale takes the group of dwarves and Bilbo to strange places where they encounter trolls, elves, spiders, goblins, and a dragon. Bilbo also makes Gollum’s acquaintance for the first time and wins his precious ring (of Lord of the Rings fame) in a contest of wits. Although Bilbo never fancied himself an adventurer, he soon finds that he is quite resourceful and the dwarves begin to depend on him. Through The Misty Mountains and Mirkwood, the group makes their way to the Lonely Mountain and the stolen riches of the Dwarves. In order to reclaim their long lost treasure, they will have to defeat Smaug, a crafty and well armored dragon, and unite with the armies of the elves and men in order to vanquish the goblin foe and claim their prize.

With the new movie coming out in December, this is the perfect time to interest youth in The Hobbit. I remember reading this book in the 5th grade and absolutely loving it. Although I really enjoyed it again this time, I couldn’t quite recapture what I remember feeling all those years ago. I think there is just something magical about the first reading of such a classic book. I have passed it on to my own 4th grader now and hope that he finds the magic too.

Captivating and highly recommended for ages 10 and up.