Presented by : Josephine B. Scheffenknacker Education Trust
Sponsored by : Frank and Yolanda Bruno Fund, Friends & Foundation of Howard County Library System, Howard County Public School System, and M&T Bank.
Registration has closed.
2018 Battle of the Books: Friday, April 13, 2018
CONGRATULATIONS to ALL the Participants and the Winners!
One of the most exciting components of A+ Partners in Education, Battle of the Books gets fifth grade students excited about reading. A lively academic competition, Battle of the Books improves reading comprehension, builds vocabulary, and teaches teamwork and good sportsmanship. The 2018 competition runs concurrently at area high schools to be announced.
Teams of five 5th grade students and one adult coach each read the same 12* pre-assigned books over four months. Selected by HCLS instructors and HCPSS media specialists, titles include a wide range of reading levels and subjects. Thanks to generous sponsors, all teams receive a set of books. In addition to reading the books, teams choose a team name then dress accordingly.
During the “battle” (a 50-question exam), a moderator asks questions that relate to one of the following: a direct quote from one of the book characters; a statement about something that happens in the book; a passage taken directly from the book; details about an illustration or picture. Winning teams receive prizes.
*The Last Boy at St. Edith’s has been removed. An email explanation was sent to coaches February 5.
IMPORTANT DATES for the 2018 competition
- Informational Meeting: October 17, 2017 and October 19, 2017 at 7pm at HCLS Miller Branch (410-313-7750)
- Online Registration: October 20, 2017 – November 3, 2017. To register, you need a team name, plus names and contact information for coaches and each of the five student members. Your team registration will only be accepted, if you register five students. Team notifications will occur on Monday, November 6.
- Mandatory coach meetings: Three options all taking place at HCLS Miller Branch (410-313-7750) – November 29, 2017 @ 7 pm, OR November 30, 2017 @ 7pm OR December 2, 2017 @ 11 am. Each team’s set of books will be distributed at the mandatory coach meeting they attend.
- Mandatory logistics meetings: Three options – March 26, 28, OR March 29, 2018, 7pm at HCLS Miller Branch (410-313-7750).
- Last Day to Change Team Info & Permission Forms Due: February 9, 2018.
- Battle of the Book Contest: Friday, April 13, 2018, 7pm at various high schools.
BOB Permission Forms
Once a team’s registration has been accepted, each coach and student member of the team must fill out the appropriate two-sided form to participate in Battle of the Books. The deadline to return forms was February 9, 2018.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- 2018 Battle of the Books Coaches Handbook
- Rules and Procedures
- Information for coaches
- Sample Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions, email Battle of the Books
2018 BOB Book List
Congratulations to all the 2017 winners and participants!
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