What is Battle of the Books?
Elementary Battle of the Books (BOB) is a competition team that encourages students to read by having them read 15 books representing a variety of literary styles and viewpoints by prominent authors in the area of young adult literature. Participation in Elementary Battle of the Books allows students the opportunity to improve reading skills, mature in their choices of reading materials, and acquire a broader knowledge base. Our meetings will offer students the chance to practice for the countywide battle in March by answering questions like the ones shown below. The goal is to answer each question by stating the title and author of the book to which the question pertains. We will prepare for competition at meetings by playing games, discussing the books, taking notes and studying key elements of each text such as characters, settings, and plot.
Examples of Competition and Practice Questions:
In which book does a character state, “Being a mother is like trying to hold a
wolf by the ears”?
Answer: Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
OR
In which book is an alarm set off just for fun?
Answer: Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Teams get two points for the correct title and one point for the correct author. If the team answers incorrectly the other team has an opportunity to steal the question and receives two points for the correct title. Using a game format for the competition creates interest and excitement in reading.
Membership:
Elementary Battle of the Books is open to fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. Students must be strong, fluent readers as they will be reading about one novel per week. All reading takes place on the student's own time. Each member of Elementary Battle of the Books must read the 15 books listed on the elementary list by December/January. Members of the team will need to know the title and author of each book on the list. Students will need to attend practices to build our team and review questions.
How Do I Make the Competition Team?
Fourth, fifth, and sixth graders compete on the same team! Each member should attend initial team practice meetings held in September and October. In October, all students will be given a test using the same question format as shown above for all 15 books. There is also a section of the test for matching the author and book title. The students with the highest scores on this test will become the Elementary Battle of the Books Competition Team and represent our school in the county Battle in March.
Contact
Thalia Holman
Media Coordinator, Club Leader
p. 828.256.2769
email
Contact
Amy Reep
4th Grade Teacher, Club Leader
p. 828.241.1741
email
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