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.