The Lord of the Rings
Recommended. Age: 12+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
Tolkien called it 'a fundamentally religious and Catholic work', and it reads like one. Power is refused, not seized. The weak carry the burden. Pity for Gollum, not strength, saves the world, and a hidden Providence guides every step. There is no sermon, only truth in story form. One reservation: it is long and demanding, and the battles are real. Younger children do better hearing it read aloud.
For parents
Read aloud from nine or ten; independent reading from twelve, which is where Common Sense Media, Plugged In and the publisher all land. Ask your children why Frodo spares Gollum and what that mercy buys. Ask why no one, not even Gandalf, may use the Ring. Point out how often luck is Providence (CCC 303).