What is Battle of the Books at Hubert H. Humphrey?
Battle of the Books at Hubert H. Humphrey Elementary school is a chance for 4th-5th graders to target their reading, trying a variety of great books to read and think about. 20 books are selected for 4th grade, and 20 different books are selected for 5th grade.
Ms. Dillon, the librarian, selects the titles each year. They are based on book awards, teacher suggestions, and student suggestions.
Why do we "battle" over books?
· To find good books, including Newbery, Caldecott, and National Book Award winners
· To talk about books with others—sharing connections and insights
· To get “hooked” on series, authors, and genres
· To expand our minds and hearts through reading, comprehension, and discussion
· To create a climate of reading and reflecting
· To create excitement and momentum, creating avid readers (AVID READERS ARE SIMPLY READERS WHO READ A LOT AND LOVE IT). Research shows that people who report feeling “happy” over their lifetimes have one thing in common--they read for pleasure.
How do I sign up?
All you do is start reading and enjoying the books!
There is no sign-up.
You keep track of the books you've read yourself, for yourself. This is about you, the READER.
I provide printed lists you can put on your refrigerator, in your notebook, or anywhere you'd like! I suggest you highlight the titles you've read as soon as you've finished them. (Highlighting is fun, visual, and a great life skill.)
Is Battle of the Books required?
No. It is for those who want to read some great books beyond their usual reading. It is an easy way to try something new and focus our reading without getting in the way of other reading you are enjoying.
Where do I find the books?
Our library has multiple copies on the Battle of the Books shelves near Ms. Dillon’s desk. (Look for our dog wearing a Battle of the Books t-shirt!) However, many of the books are POPULAR and often checked out, so use any way possible to get your hands on the books! Use the public library, use ebooks through the public library or our DESTINY catalog, EPIC, etc. Many books are available for free on YouTube.
When is the battle?
If you get 10 or more of the 20 titles read by late February on a Wednesday morning when we have our official battle, you will come to the library at the assigned time. (Your teacher will let you leave class to come to the battle.)
How does it work?
You will be randomly placed on a team with other students at your grade level at Humphrey that have read at least 10 books.
I will ask questions over the 20 books for about 50 minutes. The team with the most points wins. Usually we have about 36 students per grade level who participate in the battle, so you will be on a team with 5-7 students. (In other words, you will never be alone.)
For every correct title each team gets, they receive 5 points.
For every correct author's name they receive 2 points. (It is actually the correct LAST name of the author that earns the points.)
What do I earn for participating in the battle?
You earn the experience and fun and reading and discussing up to 20 amazing books!!! Yay! Reading a good book is its own reward.
But, also, in 4th and 5th grade, you will receive $6 in Scholastic Book Fair Credit for our late February/early March book fair. If you are on the winning team, you will receive $12 in credit instead of $6.
How can I earn extra points for my team?
If you want to earn extra credit for your team, write down one question on a piece of paper about one of the books. (You make up your own.) Hand it to me at the beginning of the battle. At some point in the battle we take a little break and have fun reading and answering student questions.
How can I strategize to do my best?
Take the time to enjoy reading. Read and think about your reading. Don’t rush.
You may want to keep a reader’s journal. I suggest using a spiral notebook.
When you start a book, write the title and author. Jot down settings, characters’ names and brief descriptions. Write down a few favorite sentences that struck you as great writing. You may even write down connections you make to the text.
Also, when the battle gets closer, take the time to MEMORIZE the authors’ names! Perhaps you could make flash cards and quiz yourself or with a friend. (Hint: The winning team ALWAYS has at least one person on the team who TOOK THE TIME to memorize the authors’ names!)