Tolkien, J. R. R. (1937). The Hobbit.
Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0345339681
Plot Summary
The Hobbit's full title is The Hobbit, or There and Back Again which suggests the journey which is at the center of this story. Bilbo, a diminutive hobbit of the shire, is tricked into hosting a dinner party for dwarves and participating on an adventure by a wizard named Gandalf. Bilbo, who is not prone to adventure, faces trolls, elves, giant spiders, an even larger dragon, a five-sided war before ultimately coming "back again."
Critical Evaluation
J.R.R. Tolkien wrote The Hobbit as a true epic, an adventure. In homage to great epics like those of Homer, much of The Hobbit is filled with songs. Adventurers sing songs telling of the past, ancient things as they pass on an oral history. This structure sets up The Hobbit as an epic before the content is even considered. It also perfectly embodies the hero's journey archetype with the reluctant Bilbo's call to adventure, overcoming several perils, proving his mettle, and returning home a changed hobbit.
Reader's Annotation
Bilbo never expected to be on an adventure, but to get back to his quiet home he must first face wolves, spiders, orcs, and worse--a fire breathing dragon he's been elected to steal from.
Author Information
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was born in 1892 in Bloemfontein, South Africa to British parents. He served in the First World War and returned to pursue a lifetime academic career. Philology was his love--he constructed working fantasy languages for his books--and he taught at Oxford, Pembroke, and Merton College. He wrote The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, and numerous other works and stories set in the world of Middle Earth.
Genre
Fantasy
Curriculum Ties
Reading and Language Arts
Booktalking Ideas
Speak as Bilbo, laying out his plans for a peaceful day, and then show that he is in the middle of his adventure, as far away from this comfort as possible.
Reading Level/Interest Age
The Hobbit ranks a 1000L on the Lexile Range, making it suitable for all teens. A current movie series will certainly pique interest amongst teens as well.
Challenge Issues
Some violence and magic is depicted.
If challenged, I would first suggest being familiar with the work in order to speak about it directly. Then, listen the challenger's complaint, show them to positive reviews, and refer to the collection policy, stating a need to include a variety of works that may not be suitable for all, but should contain something for everyone. As a last resort, turn to the ALA Bill of Rights or First Amendment defense, but try not to let things get there; listen and reassure the patron.
Some violence and magic is depicted.
If challenged, I would first suggest being familiar with the work in order to speak about it directly. Then, listen the challenger's complaint, show them to positive reviews, and refer to the collection policy, stating a need to include a variety of works that may not be suitable for all, but should contain something for everyone. As a last resort, turn to the ALA Bill of Rights or First Amendment defense, but try not to let things get there; listen and reassure the patron.
Reason Selected
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