The Hobbit begins simply: "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit." The hobbit in this particular hole is named Bilbo Baggins, and his "hole" is actually a very comfortable residence known as Bag End. The narrator tells us that hobbits are a little people, half the size of a man, and they have become rare and are no longer seen around. ... The hobbit protests, and the dwarves grumble that "He looks more like a grocer than a burglar." ... He approaches the hobbit, who brandishes his sword upon hearing Gollum's hissing voice. ...

• Word Count: 5600
• Approx Pages: 22
• Grade Level: High School

The Hobbit by J.R.R. ... Although the tale is about a journey, it is also about the slow change of Bilbo from a provincial hobbit into a world-weary hero. ... He not only gives Thorin the map and the idea to return to the mountain, but he also strangely couples thirteen dwarves with a hobbit who has never left his region before. ... He tells the Hobbit that he received the ring as a birthday present. ... Summary: Bilbo, a simple hobbit, is smoking his pipe one day when the wizard Gandalf appears and asks him to go on an adventure. ...

• Word Count: 2796
• Approx Pages: 11
• Grade Level: High School