The Colour Illustrated Hobbit
by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien
HarperCollins Children's Books 2016
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 6th grade and up · ages 11+
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Genre
Themes
- courage
- friendship
- adventure
- home and belonging
- greed and its consequences
- loyalty
- unlikely heroism
- good vs. evil
About this book
This classic fantasy follows Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit who is swept into an adventurous quest with a wizard and a company of dwarves. Along the way he discovers courage, cleverness, and the value of friendship. Jemima Catlin’s warm, full-color illustrations make the story especially inviting for younger readers and families. Perfect for middle graders ready for a rich adventure or for read-alouds that spark imagination.
Setting: Middle-earth, from the Shire to the Lonely Mountain
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Colour Illustrated Hobbit right for my child?
Yes — The Colour Illustrated Hobbit is a great fit for 6th grade. The reading level is AR 6.6, which is typical for 6th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 11+ (6th grade and up). Themes include courage, friendship, adventure.
How long does it take to read The Colour Illustrated Hobbit?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Colour Illustrated Hobbit takes around 9.1h to finish. The book has 95,022 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Colour Illustrated Hobbit have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Colour Illustrated Hobbit has an AR quiz available, worth 16 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is The Colour Illustrated Hobbit?
The Colour Illustrated Hobbit has an AR reading level of 6.6, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades Plus (6+) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.