Sparring over books

Students spar over books in first-ever elementary book battle
Posted on 04/30/2019
Point students participate in district Book BattleAbout 130 fourth- and fifth-graders throughout Mehlville School District went to battle last Friday. These literary warriors competed in the district's first-ever elementary school Mark Twain Book Battle.

During the event, each elementary school was represented with at least one team, and each team member had to read at least six books that were nominated for a Mark Twain Award. Students answered trivia questions about the award-winning books. The top-scoring team, from Forder Elementary School, received the traveling book battle trophy to display in their school for the next year.

"We're thrilled to have so many students participate," said Alicia Landers, director of curriculum technology. Landers and the elementary school librarians hosted the event to ignite a love of reading. "We want students to read because they want to, because it's fun and allows them to escape to another world. Some students need a little encouragement to read, and providing them with the opportunity to come together as a group and participate in a friendly competition helped them see the joy in reading."

Students enjoyed the event. A Hagemann elementary student was overheard saying, "This is so stressful. I love it!” Another student exclaimed, "I don't play on teams, so I never get to battle!"

Mehlville librarians are already planning the 2020 book battle for students.

See more photos from the event.
The Mehlville School District strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and other characteristics protected by law. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: contact Adam Smith at 314-467-5006 or [email protected].