Each year, the three middle school libraries (Carson, Ingomar, and Marshall) sponsor a reading competition called Battle of the Books. To compete, students from across all three middle schools form teams of 3-5 students and read the books selected for this year's competition. In February, teams  meet in the NASH cafeteria to battle in a trivia competition to see who knows those books the best! Winners take home glory, medals, & gift cards. 

In the fall, the librarians from each middle school will host informational meetings and open registration for students. Interested students should listen to the announcements regarding times and locations. Registration is open to NASD students in grades 6, 7, and 8.

Typically, the list is made up of 8 books selected from the PA Young Reader's Choice Award list that is published by the PA School Librarian's Association each spring. 

The number of books you read is up to you and your team. For example, some teams split up the list and make sure that each book is read by at least two people on the team. This way, if someone has to miss the battle another team member is familiar with the book.  

The Battle is held from 6 - 8 p.m. and teams are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Parents and guardians may drop-off or stay for the event. 

Round 1:  Open-Ended Questions

Teams will be given 5 open-ended questions from each book on the list. Teams will discuss the answer before submitting their response to the judges. Teams have 20 seconds to answer. Each open-ended question is worth 2 points and students may earn partial credit. 

10-Minute Break:  Participants are given refreshments.

Round 2:  Multiple-Choice Questions

Teams will be given 10 multiple-choice questions from each book. They will work with their team to select the correct answer. Teams have 20 minutes to complete all questions. Each question is worth 1 point. 

Grand Champions: The team with the overall highest score will be awarded Grand Champion. The school will host the Battle of the Books Trophy for the year and each member will receive a medal and a gift card.

Runners-Up:  The top-scoring teams from the two other middle schools will receive the Runner-Up award and team members will receive medals and gift cards.

Honorable Mention:  If the second-highest overall score belongs to a team from the same school as the Grand Champion, they will receive medals. 

Spirit Award:  At the event, teams can show their spirit by having signs, matching outfits, fun accessories, etc. The team with the most spirit will take home event totes filled with goodies.

Ribbons and Stickers:  All participants will receive a commemorative ribbon and sticker. 

Yes! Refreshments are served during the break for participants and volunteers. You will be able to help yourself to water, lemonade, and cookies.