Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brilliantly written, inventive pre-LOTR tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 31 parent reviews
Based on 141 kid reviews
Kids say that this fantasy classic is a captivating adventure that many find to be their favorite book, filled with memorable characters and a rich narrative. However, some readers note its complexity and pacing can be challenging for younger audiences, particularly those under 11, due to its advanced language and themes of violence.
- favorite book
- captivating adventure
- challenging language
- reader age recommendation
- character development
- fantasy genre rich
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Bilbo Baggins, a simple Hobbit, never asked for adventure. It literally came knocking on his door -- 13 dwarves (Tolkien's spelling with the \"v\") and Gandalf the wizard show up to tea to hire Bilbo as a thief in their quest to reclaim a hoard of treasure. It's stashed far away and guarded by a fierce dragon, Smaug. Bilbo will have to cross the Misty Mountains -- troll and goblin country -- and the untamed wilds of Mirkwood, where straying from the path can be deadly. In exchange, he gets an even share of the treasure and quite a story to tell. But is one little hobbit really up for such a big adventure?
Is It Any Good?
There are few worlds more richly imagined than Tolkien's Middle Earth. Readers would get caught up just in his exquisitely imaginative details if it weren't for the nonstop adventure; it's a perfect balance. Add to that a wonderful main character -- the hairy-footed little hobbit who truly triumphs -- and you have the perfect fantasy-adventure. This is how it's done.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Bilbo changes over the course of the book. Why is he reluctant to have an adventure at first? Would you choose a comfy hobbit-hole over a meeting with a dragon (and riches), or would you face adversity and adventure head-on?
For those reading as a family, what parts are the best to read aloud? Is it easier to get through the scary scenes with company? What other books appeal to readers of many ages?
Can you see why the fimmakers decided to break the movie version of The Hobbit into three installments?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Houghton Mifflin Children's Books
- Publication date : September 21, 1937
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 272
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Audiobook (abridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle, App
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate