Approximately 60 students from Beaty-Warren Middle School, Sheffield Area Elementary Middle School, Eisenhower Middle High School and Youngsville Elementary Middle School attended this year’s event

The students formed teams that worked together throughout the school year to read and study 12 selected books. The reading list featured a wide range of genres, including fiction, nonfiction, historical fiction and graphic novels, giving students exposure to different styles of storytelling and topics.

Students spent months preparing for the competition by reading the books, reviewing plot details and practicing teamwork skills in anticipation of the end-of-the-year event. During the competition, teams faced 12 rounds of questions, one round for each book on the reading list. Questions focused on plot points, characters and important details from the stories. Teams worked together to write their answers on score sheets, which were then judged by teachers from the four schools for accuracy.

In addition to the book trivia competition, students also participated in a series of puzzle activities throughout the day. Many of the puzzles were reading and literature themed, including word searches and crossword puzzles connected to books and authors. Some math-based puzzles were also included as part of the activities, though many students preferred the book-related challenges over the math portions.

Middle school students review their books before the competition begins.

The event emphasized not only academic competition, but also collaboration and social interaction among students from different schools throughout the district. Between rounds, students had opportunities to meet peers who shared similar interests in reading and literature.

“I like seeing my friends from different schools,” seventh-grader Kaitlyn Silvis from Eisenhower Middle High School said.

Silvis shared that her and the rest of her team began preparing for Battle of the Books months in advance. Team members met every Tuesday beginning in September to discuss the books and practice answering questions together.

She added that the competition can help make reading more enjoyable for students. She also encouraged other students to become involved in the event in the future.

“It’s a good way to get into reading and it makes it more fun,” Silvis said.

Students answer questions on their paper during the competition.

The event also introduced students to resources available at the Warren Public Library. A specific time was set aside for students to explore the library’s teen space, spend time browsing books, check out materials to take home and even get a library card if they did not already have one. Organizers said holding the event at the library helps encourage students to continue reading outside of school and become more familiar with the community resource.

At the end of the day, scores from all 12 rounds were totaled and winners were announced. This year’s top-performing team was “The Book Team That Shall Not Be Named” from Beaty-Warren Middle School.

Organizers said the continued success of Battle of the Books highlights students’ enthusiasm for reading and the importance of creating activities that make literacy engaging and interactive. With growing participation and interest each year, district officials said they hope the event will continue expanding in the future.

Now in its third year being held at the library, the event continues to grow as students from schools across the district spend months preparing to compete in a reading-based academic challenge. Organizers said the program first began in 2021 at the district’s central office before eventually moving to the Warren Public Library in recent years. This has allowed the event to expand, and organizers said they hope to eventually invite schools from outside the district to participate in future competitions.