Tools for this page
Print

The Hobbit

(1937, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by J. Tolkien)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    Brilliantly written, inventive pre-LOTR tale.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    At times Bilbo is deceptive and the dwarves, greedy.

  • Violence:

    Much swordplay, fighting, and battles. Many scary but exciting adventures, including capture by giant spiders.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Hobbit

Parents need to know that while the book gets off to a slow start, it eventually sweeps readers along on a wild ride to the breathtaking finish of this unrelentingly inventive tale.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about Bilbo's journey and the crucial decisions he makes along the way. What keeps Bilbo going as he faces dangers on his way to the dragon's lair? Why is his decision about the ring so difficult for him?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Hobbit?

  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 24 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Hobbit
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

    Very good tale.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Yangy
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    Great book for kids too young too read Lord of the Rings. This magical adventure will suit Harry Potter fans fine.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Joey123
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    One of the best!..

    I Loved this book! The only concerns would be the violence of the book, which hardly ever becomes graphic. You just need to be aware of what you child can handle. It may be a little long for anyone youger than twelve.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Artsy
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    I read this in the second grade....and fell in love with it.

    Even though I have read it many times, this is still one of my favorite books. I like how the old-time-ish atmosphere mixes with the pace of the story. The poems, songs, and riddles in this book I have practically memorized. A fast-paced, exciting book about a small man with big accomplishments. ~~~So tra-la-la-lally, way down through the vallley, come on....~~~

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    zhp7654
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0

    Excellent!

    I read it in school, and I enjoyed it! I have two copies of the book, and one belongs to my entire family, and the other belongs to me.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 6+
    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Book of the Week

    Age 10+
    Million-Dollar Throw

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Another Lupica sensitive dad/son sports story.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Download This

    Age 10+
    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.