The Hobbit, Or, There and Back Again
by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, Chuck Dixon
Ballantine Books 1990
Great fit for 6th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
Bookshop.org supports independent bookstores. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Retailer links may be affiliate links.
Genre
Themes
- courage
- adventure
- friendship
- good vs. evil
- greed and generosity
- home and belonging
- identity
- heroism
About this book
Bilbo Baggins, a comfort-loving hobbit, is whisked away on a daring quest with a band of dwarves and the wizard Gandalf. Along the journey he faces trolls, goblins, spiders, and other perils as he discovers courage he never knew he had. With rich world-building, clever humor, and unforgettable characters, this classic adventure is a perfect bridge to epic fantasy for middle-grade readers. Kids enjoy its fast-paced journey, riddles, and the way an ordinary hero rises to an extraordinary challenge.
Setting: Middle-earth, from the Shire through wild lands like Mirkwood to the Lonely Mountain
Readers also enjoyed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Hobbit, Or, There and Back Again right for my child?
Yes — The Hobbit, Or, There and Back Again 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 (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include courage, adventure, friendship.
How long does it take to read The Hobbit, Or, There and Back Again?
At a typical 6th grade reading pace, The Hobbit, Or, There and Back Again takes around 9.1h to finish. The book has 95,022 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does The Hobbit, Or, There and Back Again have an AR quiz?
Yes — The Hobbit, Or, There and Back Again 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 Hobbit, Or, There and Back Again?
The Hobbit, Or, There and Back Again has an AR reading level of 6.6, which places it at a 6th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — 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.