"The Hobbit", by JRR Tolkien, has been beloved by generations of readers since it was first published in 1937.  Its themes of courage, friendship, and the battle between good and evil are timeless and continue to resonate with readers today.  It’s the classic epic tale of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, who is whisked away on an adventure with a group of dwarves and a wizard. Along the way, they encounter trolls, goblins, a dragon, and other dangers, in a tale full of excitement, action, and suspense. Whether you're a longtime fan of Tolkien or just discovering his work for the first time, "The Hobbit" is a great read!

In this summer reading challenge, learners will follow a recommended reading schedule and meet together six times for group discussion. The class will be conducted in a relaxed, book-club style atmosphere, with a teacher-guided discussion of the assigned chapters for the day.  Before each class, students will be provided with detailed reading guides to help focus their attention on important events in the story and discussion topics for that day.

Class Goals:
•	Understand and analyze the plot, characters, and setting of "The Hobbit"
•	Explore the themes and messages of the story, and relate them to our own lives
•	Develop critical thinking skills through analyzing and discussing the text
•	Improve reading comprehension and vocabulary skills
•	Recognize the figurative language elements that enhance the written text
•	Foster a love of reading and an appreciation for the fantasy genre

Basic Course Outline: 
Day 1: Introduction to Middle-earth and Bilbo Baggins
•	Read chapters 1-3 before class
•	Book discussion of the traits of Bilbo Baggins and the other main characters

Day 2: The Quest Begins
•	Read chapters 4-6 before class
•	Talk about the plot structure and conflicts of the story
•	Discuss the theme of loyalty and courage: "What does courage mean to you?"

Day 3 : The Dark Forest
•	Read chapters 7-8 before class
•	Discuss the setting and atmosphere of Mirkwood
•	Focus on trust and friendship

Day 4: The Lonely Mountain
•	Read chapters 9-11 before class
•	Note the character development of Bilbo Baggins and the other characters
•	Discuss the themes of perseverance and facing challenges
       "Describe a time when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it"

Day 5: The Battle of the Five Armies
•	Read chapters 12-14 before class
•	Decide which event is the climax of this story
•	Discuss the themes of war, peace, and sacrifice

Day 6: The Journey Home
•	Read chapters 15-19 before class
•	Talk about the ideas of personal growth, friendship, and making a difference
•	Show any optional creative projects

Required Materials: Students should have access to a copy of "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien.  This can be printed text or audio format. For students who choose to use an audio format, I recommend (but don't require) that they have printed text so that they can follow along as they listen.