FAQ

How does a student participate?

A student participates by 1) reading books from the book list provided for that year’s Oregon Battle of the Books, 2) discussing those books with teammates, and 3) competing in battles with their teammates.

What is a battle like?

Teams take turns answering trivia questions related to the books.   Teams will respond to eight "In Which Book" questions and eight "Content Questions." Correct answers earn points and the team with the most points at the end of the battle wins.  Answers to "In Which Book" questions require both the correct book title and author.  An author pronunciation guide is provided on the official Oregon OBOB Website.  You can view an official battle at the following link: OBOB Elementary Quarter Final Battle, 2018 - YouTube. 

For each battle, teams must select one spokesperson who speaks on behalf of the team.  The spokesperson must remain the spokesperson for the entire battle, but teammates may take turns being the spokesperson for each battle that they participate in.  More specific battle rules can be found on the Oregon OBOB Website.  In addition, the Alameda OBOB Committee will host Information Sessions where parents/caregivers can ask questions about the process.  Participation in the Practice Battles (more info on those below) is also a great opportunity for the teams to learn the specific rules that apply to the battles. 

Is OBOB competitive? My student likes to read for fun!

The competitive drive varies by team.  Many teams have fun planning team “uniforms” or hats and enjoy the trivia-type game.  Other teams devote lots of time to story details so that they can answer even the hardest questions.  Ultimately, it is up to the team to decide how competitive they want to be.  In any case, the battles are run in a fun and supportive way where sportsmanship, growth, and integrity are valued.

Where can I get the books?

Alameda's librarian normally stocks the Alameda school library with many sets of OBOB books.  In addition, public libraries, book fairs, and local book stores will have them available.  Many local book stores will have dedicated sections or shelves devoted to the Oregon Battle of the Books.  A Children’s Place and Powells usually have lots of copies.  You may also order books through A Children’s Place (NE 14th and Fremont) and Broadway Books (NE 17th and Broadway).

Does each team member have to read all the books?

No.  How book reading is distributed amongst teammates is up to the team.  The questions in the battles can cover all sixteen books. Therefore, the goal is to have each book read by at least one person on the team.  Some teams equally divide the books and have each teammate focus on those books.  Other students read half of the books each.  And there are always a few readers who read all sixteen books.  Any method works!  

OBOB books lists normally include one or two graphic novels.  In addition, the books will vary in length, genre, and difficulty level, allowing for students to pick books that work best for them.  The AR Level of each book is listed on OBOB.dog.     

Is an audiobook considered “reading”?

Yes!  Audiobooks, eBooks, hard copy books, read alone, read together – it’s all just fine. Battle of the Books is about fostering a love of reading/stories and encouraging students to explore different genres.  

How many kids are on a team?

Usually four. This is the recommended number.  You can have as few as two students on a team, and as many as five students on a team.  BUT, no more than four students can battle during any particular battle.  Students may not substitute teammates during a battle.

I’m looking for a team, how can I find one?

Most teams form through connections in current or past classes.  If you have a partial team and are looking for another teammate or are an individual looking for a team, submit your information at the Team Formation Help page.  Parents and caregivers may use this information to contact parents of individuals or teams looking for teammates.  

This is my child's first time competing, how can I best prepare them and their team?  

Each team is required to have an assigned coach.  The coach can be a parent, caregiver, or even an older student (at least high school level is recommended).  Coaches help the teams divide up the books, keep the kids motivated, and most important, keep the kids having fun!  Coaches can do this by planning meetings with activities and practice questions related to the books.  OBOB.dog is a great resource, with practice questions included on the site around October of each year.  

Coaches can also help to ensure each team member practices good sportsmanship and cheers on their own teammates, as well as other teams.           

When will the competition begin?

Practice battles, where the students can gain an understanding of what the competition will be like and ask questions, will normally occur in late January.  A Practice Battle sign up sheet will be provided to each team's assigned coach in early January.  Pool Play will take place in February, followed by tournament rounds (for those teams that make it into the top 16 teams) in the following weeks.  

A Final Four Competition and Celebration will take place in mid-to-late February, which all OBOB participants are invited to attend. 

Specific dates for practice and competition battles will likely be announced by mid-October.  Specific times for the battles will come in January when we have a firm understanding of the number of teams competing and the volunteers participating.  

Do I need to bring a set of books to the Pool Play battle and other battles? 

No.  The OBOB Committee will provide two sets of books to teams that issue a challenge during Pool Play and tournament play.  Bringing books to battles is discouraged, as any books brought to the battles must be entirely concealed.   If your team is the final winning team, the two sets of books will be given to the team to take to the Regional tournament.     

Who organizes and runs the school-level OBOB competition?  

The Alameda OBOB competition is run entirely by parent/caregiver volunteers.  Volunteers are especially needed during the practice battles and main Pool Play event.  Volunteers are needed to allow participants into the building, direct them to classrooms, and act as scorekeepers and moderators.  The competition cannot happen without these volunteers.  If you are interested in volunteering, please provide your information using the "volunteer link" provided on the Alameda OBOB Website.