Elementary Battle of the Books

Central Elementary Battle of the Books 

Battle of the books is open to a team of no more than 12 committed and highly motivated 4th and 5th graders. Tryouts will be held on Tuesday, September 30th during the school day. The Battle of the Books team members will also be announced on September 30th by the end of the school day.

For tryouts, students must know the title and author of each book. Additionally, they must have read the following books on the list, "Front Desk," "Sal & Gabi Break the Universe," and "The Great Treehouse War." Students will be tested on all three titles during tryouts, and must make a combined score of 80% to be part of the team.

Throughout the 2025-2026 school year, the students will be required to become experts on 10 of the books on the list. However, students are encouraged to read all books on the list. Students will be tested on their expert books. All team members will also have weekly homework in which they will have to read 30 minutes 5 days a week. Students will also practice answering questions about each book on a program called My Bob Team at least twice a week for a total of forty minutes. 

The team will compete in an all-county competition where students will answer questions in front of a panel of judges.The competition date has not been released yet, but it usually occurs at the middle or end of March. The competition consists of questions stated in the format, ​“In which book does...”​ The students, as a team, decide on which book the idea or event occurred and the name of the author of the book. Students are required to memorize very small details in every book assigned to them. The competition lasts all day and can be intense, however it is always a fun day for our team.

Starting October 20th, 2025 the team will meet on Mondays after school from 2:10-3:10 in the Media Center. Expectations for team membership includes no behavioral issues, good attendance, cooperation, participation, completion of assignments, and team collaboration. Please contact Ms. Kelly with any questions jacqueline_kelly@iss.k12.nc.us.

2025-2026 Elementary Battle of the Books List