Battle of the Books
Teams can sign up until Jan. 12. Book pickup happens on Jan. 17. More info.
It's called Battle of the Books. Teams of fourth and fifth graders work through eight books and then compete in challenges based on the material they've just read.
Audrey Irontree is education director for the National Writers Series, which presents the event each year. Kendall Kotcher is the organization's marketing manager. Both joined IPR to talk about what to expect this year.
On Jan. 17, teams will gather at the Traverse Area District Library for scavenger hunts and other challenges to figure out which books are on the secret list for the year. Once the list is revealed, they'll pick up their books.
Then in April, the teams reconvene for a competition that involves a quiz and, as Irontree puts it, "a bunch of wonderful, zany, creative challenges as well."
"Last year we shot off bottle rockets in the library, some of which I still think are in the hanging sculptures," she said.
Teams of students, with an adult coach, are able to sign up until Jan. 12. Irontree says those who need a coach should still sign up — the National Writers Series will help pair you with someone who can coach.
