Battle of the Books
ICCA BATTLE OF THE BOOKS
Books for the 2024-2025 Battle of the Books are available now! Many titles are available in formats beyond conventional print, such as large print, read along, Playaway, and e-book/e-audio. Place holds on titles via the library's online catalog.
What is Battle of the Books?
The Battle of the Books tests 4th-6th grade teams on their knowledge of the current year’s Iowa Children’s Choice Award titles. Teams of three are formed in their schools. Battles are performed at three levels to determine the final grand champion for the Eastern Iowa region.
The basic run down of determining the Battle grand champion is:
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School Level – Schools determine their best team. At the School Level, teachers and teacher librarians may use whatever method works to determine the top team to represent them in the next level of competition. Schools have used paper tests, mini bracketed battles at recesses, and even formal battles during school time in a mini assembly format. All North Scott participants will receive a ribbon. The winning teams from each school will receive medals.
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District Level – The District and Regional Battles styled like a trivia night. One team from each participating school in the district will battle each other for the right to represent their district in the final Eastern Iowa Regional Battle of the Books. The North Scott District Battle takes place in early March and is usually held at the Scott County Library System Eldridge Branch. The top two teams will receive individual trophies. The winning team will also receive a traveling trophy to live at their school until the next district battle.
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Final Battle – The Eastern Iowa Regional Battle of the Books takes place in late March/early April and is usually held at the Bettendorf Public Library. Teams from North Scott, Davenport, Pleasant Valley, Bettendorf, and other school districts will compete to determine the ultimate champion. All participants will receive a certificate; the top two teams will receive individual trophies; and the winning team will take home a large traveling trophy to house until the next year’s battle.
Ask your school’s teacher librarian or classroom teacher for specific information about signing up for Battle of the Books, forming teams, and school competition dates. This information will vary from school to school. The Scott County Library System staff can help with locating books and answer questions about the North Scott District Battle.
Homeschool students can also participate in Battle of the Books. Contact the SCLS Youth Services Coordinator at [email protected] for more information.
What books do participants read?
Participants read the Iowa Children’s Choice Award nominee books for the current year. The ICCA nominees are chosen by students and teachers across the state of Iowa and one book is selected as the best title of the year via student vote in the spring. Anyone can read the ICCA books; participation in Battle of the Books is not mandatory. Also, Battle participants do not necessarily have to read all of the ICCA books.
Additional Information, Links, & Printables
View this handout or download from this post for more information on official Battle rules, structure of the competition, tips & tricks for participating, etc.
Watch book talks, book trailers, and learn more about the Iowa Children's Choice Award books by exploring this interactive site. This link has also been shared with the North Scott elementary schools.
Download and print this graphic organizer to help you or your student take notes while reading and studying for the competition.
See the attachments section of this post for more downloadable information.
PAST NORTH SCOTT DISTRICT WINNERS
2024-2025...TBD Spring 2025
2023-2024...Edward White
2022-2023...Virgil Grissom
2021-2022....Alan Shepard (also 1st place at the Eastern Iowa Regional Battle)
2020-2021....Alan Shepard (also 2nd place at the Eastern Iowa Regional Battle)
2019-2021....Virgil Grissom
2018-2019….Virgil Grissom
2017-2018….Virgil Grissom
2016-2017….Edward White
2015-2016….Virgil Grissom
2014-2015….Alan Shepard
2013-2014….Edward White
2012-2013….Neil Armstrong
2011-2012….Neil Armstrong
2010-2011….Alan Shepard
2009-2010…Alan Shepard
2008-2009…Neil Armstrong
2007-2008…Alan Shepard
2006-2007…Alan Shepard
& Neil Armstrong
2005-2006…John Glenn
2004-2005…Neil Armstrong
2003-2004…Virgil Grissom
Attachments:
