West Pine Middle's Battle of the Books page

Battle of the Books

Battle of the Books

Battle of the Books is a voluntary reading incentive program designed to promote the love of reading among our students in grades 6th-8th. Students, regardless of ability, are exposed to quality literature representing a variety of reading levels, literary styles, and viewpoints by prominent authors in the area of young adult literature. Students work with each other to compete in a fun, academic-based competition that helps them improve reading skills, mature in their choices of reading materials, and acquire a broader knowledge base.

Team Membership

Any Student in grades 6-8 may read to make the team. A team consists of a maximum of 12 members. Team members will be chosen according to the following criteria:

  • Adherence to the Battle of the Books contract
  • Number of books read
  • Questions (5) submitted in correct form for each book read
  • Memorization of authors and titles
  • Attendance at practice sessions/meetings
  • Performance in practice competitions
  • Responsible behavior and cooperative attitude (Scale of 1-5 for each meeting)

Coaches:

Mrs. Thomas
Mrs. McAlister

History

North Carolina's Battle of the Books can be traced back to a public radio program in Chicago in the 1940s originated by Ruth Harshaw. Librarians exposed to the original show reconstructed the game to encourage reading today. Michael Leonard, an Illinois native, first introduced the contest in Onslow County when he accepted the position of Children's Librarian for the Onslow County Public Library. His rationale for placing it at the sixth grade level was the dearth of activities in the public library and in the public schools for this aged child. In 1981, Onslow County Public Library sponsored the first North Carolina Battle of the Books contest for sixth graders.

The North Carolina Association of School Librarians assumed sponsorship of Battle of the Books in 1991. In 2000, the North Carolina School Library Media Association became a co-sponsor of Battle of the Books, and independent schools became a region for competition. The first state competition of Battle of the Books was held in 2001-2002. NCSLMA provides certificates for system level and regional/cluster battles and also coordination of the program on a statewide basis.

  • West Pine Middle
  • 144 Archie Road, West End, NC 27376
  • 910-673-1464
  • 910-673-1272
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