• The Battle of the Books is a reading competition designed to improve reading and comprehension while building enthusiasm for reading using a fun and unique competition format. Students will compete in teams to demonstrate their knowledge of 10 preselected books.

    Students in 4th and 5th grade are eligible to compete. Students need to read a minimum of three of the "Battle" books by March 1, 2026 to be eligible to serve on a team. However, students are encouraged to read as many of the “Battle” books as possible.  Students may find the books in their school library, the public library, at bookstores, and online.  The competitions will begin after spring break.

    The ELA teachers and librarian will help students finalize teams in March. Students are expected to select a team name and a team captain. Students may practice together with their team at school or at home. However, most of the work can be done individually.

    This year’s books were selected from the 2025-26 Volunteer State Book Award nominee list and previous lists. These books include a variety of genres, reading levels, and themes. 

    1. The One and Only Ruby by Katherine Applegate
    2. The Mystery of Locked Rooms by Lindsay Currie
    3. And, Then Boom! by Lisa Fipps
    4. Popcorn by Rob Harrell
    5. The Sherlock Society by James Ponti
    6. Stranded by Nikki Shannon Smith
    7. A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall by Jasmine Warga
    8. The Misfit: A Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee and Dan Stantat
    9. Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
    10. The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl by Stacy McAnulty

    If you have any questions about the Battle of the Books, please feel free to email me at jennifer.bowers@knoxschools.org.