Battle of the Books

For over 30 years, the Park Ridge Public Library has partnered with Park Ridge schools to offer fourth and fifth grade students a chance to test their knowledge of books.

Each spring, a new list of books is compiled by the Park Ridge Public Library children's librarians for the coming year. Titles cover a wide range of reading interests and abilities. This season the list contains 40 books from a variety of genres.

The Park Ridge Public Library schedules and hosts the meets which begin the Monday after Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Meets are held on Monday and Thursday afternoons from 4:00p.m.-4:45p.m. and run for four weeks. (Please note: the meeting that would fall on President's Day is rescheduled to Tuesday, the day after the holiday.) The schedule is posted on the Library's website and sent to each school. Families are encouraged to attend the Battle meetings.

Meets consist of two rounds of 40 questions (80 total). Points are awarded for correct answers, but there is no penalty for incorrect answers. Every book will only be used once during each round (twice per meet) which allows each team a chance to answer 20 questions.

Four teams face off at each meet with up to four players per team per round allowing for the opportunity for up to 8 players to compete at each meet

All students must :

-Read 15 battle books by Friday, October 18th, 2024.

-Read at least 25 battle books by Friday, January 11, 2025.

-Memorize the title and matching author’s last name for ALL books, even those that they have not read.

-Attend lunch hour practices, which will begin in October, on Fridays, Starting Friday, October 18th. (You will miss lunch recess at least one time a week)

-Demonstrate knowledge of the books that you have read.

-Demonstrate appropriate behavior at practice sessions and at meets.

-Arrange for transportation to and from the “Battles”, which are held at the Park Ridge Library.

-Be ready to have fun together!

We will be practicing during the recess portion of lunch weekly after Indigenous Peoples Day. We want everyone to have a chance to start reading. We will decide on what day works best for everyone who is participating. Don't worry. We'll help you set goals!

Fill out the form below to participate in Battle of the Books.

Our first meeting is Friday, September 13th 11:35-12:00 PM in the LRC.

Our second meeting is Friday, October 18th from 11:35-12:00 PM in the LRC. You should have finished 15 battle books by this meeting.

You must RSVP to this meeting to be able to come by Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

If you indicated your child was interested in the spring, there is no need to fill out the form again.

Field School Battle of the Books Coaches

Website: bit.ly/fieldlrc
Phone: 847-318-4389
x: @mrsschaab