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Carroll County Public Library
Infinite Possibilities
Battle of the Books FAQ
What is "Battle of the Books"?
Battle of the Books is an exciting book-based competition. Students compete in teams to answer questions relating to the content of a number of books. The game format creates interest and excitement in reading, while cultivating teamwork, and encouraging good sportsmanship.
Why does the library organize Battle of the Books events?
The purpose of the Battle of the Books program is to encourage reading.
When are the events?
The events take place during the Spring at various dates determined by the library and the partners involved. For a full calendar of events, please see: https://library.carr.org/programs/BOB_events.asp
Who can participate in Battle of the Books?
CCPS students in grades 4-8 who attend participating schools and students who attend participating private school/homeschool groups in Carroll County.
When can teams register?
Media specialists and coaches from participating schools and homeschool groups register their teams between September 1, 2023– January 5, 2024. Teams must be registered using the names of the students who will be participating in the battle. Placeholders will not be allowed. Any changes to the original registration form must be emailed to battleinfo@carr.org by February 1st. Please indicate school/homeschool group and team name in your email.
What makes up a team?
A team consists of 5-9 students from the same school/homeschool group, and at least one adult coach. Teams must have names. Appropriate team spirit wear is encouraged.
What does a coach do?
Coaches help prepare students for the events in a number of different ways, from leading book discussions, to helping create spirit wear. On the night of the battle, coaches will be assigned to sit with and monitor a different battle team than their own. For further information, please see the Coach's Information document.
Where can I find the booklist?
The official booklists can always be found online under the Booklists heading on the Battle of the Books homepage. Print copies of the official booklists are available at all CCPL branches.
When will we get our book sets?
Thanks to a generous donation from the Friends of the Carroll County Library, one free set of books will be provided to each battle team. Once your team has officially been registered, CCPL will work on getting a book set to your team as they are available from the publishers. A CCPL representative will contact your media specialist and/or coach once book sets are available for distribution to teams.
How are the books selected?
The books are chosen from the current Maryland Black Eyed Susan nominees based on a number of factors including reading level, variety of genre, interest, and depth.
Where will the competition take place?
Battle events take place in a large school gymnasium or comparable space and generally take around 2 hours to complete from start to finish, not including the time it takes for students and coaches to sign in. Much like a sporting event, these spaces may be noisy and crowded with both participants and excited spectators.
What will the competition look like?
Each team will sit together in a designated area. One coach from each team will be assigned to sit with and monitor a different battle team than their own. Pencils and answer sheets will be provided. A Battle will consist of 2 rounds with 20 questions in each round, with a halftime break between. The emcee will read each question twice, while the questions are projected on a screen. After the second time the question is read, students will have 60 seconds to discuss and write the answer down. A timer will appear on the screen. Once the team has finished, someone from the team should hold the completed answer sheet up. A runner will come collect the answers and bring them to a score keeper.
How will teams know if they answered correctly?
Answers to the questions will be read once the 60 second time is up, and all answer sheets have been turned in. First, second, and third place winners will be announced at the conclusion of the battle.
What if my child needs special accommodations during the competition?
If you have specific questions or concerns about accommodations, please contact battleinfo@carr.org or your media specialist in advance of the battle.
How are the answers scored?
1 point will be given for the title of the book, and 1 point will be given for the author. Spelling will not count as long as the judges can reasonably infer the answer. See scoring guidelines for details.
What type of attire is appropriate for the battle?
Comfortable, school-appropriate clothing. While we encourage team spirit wear, team members, coaches, and audience members may not include the titles of books or authors anywhere on their attire or posters.
Are electronics permitted on the competition floor?
Students and Coaches may not carry electronic devices such as cell phones, tablets, etc. during the competition. Accommodations may be made for special circumstances. Please contact battleinfo@carr.org or your media specialist in advance for accommodations.
How are the questions written?
Questions are written by librarians at CCPL. Each of the battles around the county has its own unique but equivalent set of questions. Questions may be about characters, settings, events, illustrations, or direct quotes. Questions may be taken from any part of the book, cover to cover, including dedication, epilogue, author biography, etc. Please see the Question Writing Guidelines document for full details.
Can I use the bathroom during the event?
Yes, but please try to leave and return between questions. We encourage all participants to use the bathroom before the competition and/or during the halftime break.
What awards will be given?
Medals and prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams. The first-place team's school/homeschool group will receive a trophy. Each child will receive a participation gift.
Where do I direct my compliments or concerns?
Please email any compliments or concerns to battleinfo@carr.org and/or your media specialist.
How can I receive a Team Read Poster, if my student was part of a winning team?
Read Posters will be created for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place teams. Large posters will be distributed to the winning teams' schools along with small posters for each team member at no cost. Additional posters may be ordered for a minimal fee up until June 15th. Please fill out this form to purchase a Team Read Poster. CCPL staff will contact you when they are available to be picked up. Posters need to be picked up within 2 weeks of contact.