Recommended Reading Lists

2025-2026 Elementary Battle of the Books

The Wisconsin Battle of the Books is a statewide reading challenge designed to foster a love of reading while encouraging teamwork, critical thinking, and academic competition. Open to students in grades 4–12, BOB is available at three levels: Elementary (grades 4–6), Middle (grades 6–8), and High School (grades 8–12).

Each year, students are encouraged to read from a curated list of 20 books, diving deep into story elements like plot, character, theme, and setting. 

Book lists, curated by Wisconsin school librarians, are released each year on June 1st and represent some of most highly recommended titles from the last few years.

To learn more about this year's books, please click on the graphic to the left.  Links are offered to both the physical books in our collection, and books available to our students using our SORA reading app.