A Literary Feat: The 2024 Battle of the Books Recap

The excitement was palpable as the Campbell River School District hosted its annual district Battle of the Books competition on March 5, marking another successful year of promoting literacy and engaging young readers.

For two decades now, this beloved event has been igniting a passion for reading among students, and this year was no exception. The Battle of the Books is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of literacy, teamwork, and the joy of reading.

This year’s battle saw eager participants from various schools across the district, with students in grades 3, 4, and 5 putting their knowledge to the test. Teams had been diligently preparing since October, immersing themselves in a selection of six carefully curated books chosen by our teacher-librarians.

The competition itself is as much about camaraderie as it is about knowledge. Students formed teams, each armed with their collective understanding of the books they’ve read. Questions flew, challenging their recall and comprehension, all while showcasing their love of reading.

One of the highlights of the event is the creativity displayed by the teams with their team names, signs, costumes, and chants. The atmosphere was electric, with the Timberline theatre buzzing with excitement as families gathered to support their young readers.

In the grade 3 category, victory belonged to the spirited Quadra Elementary team, affectionately known as The Top Chicks, comprised of Emmett Swanson, Daisy Millard and Liv Ross. 

For grade 4, it was the cleverly named The Flaming Fire Foxes from École des Deux Mondes who emerged victorious. Their team was comprised of Piper Barnes and Marina Marshall.

And in the grade 5 showdown, it was Charlie’s Angels of Ocean Grove Elementary who claimed the title, comprised of Elianna Brzovic, Cassidy McClung, and Reese Stephens.

As we reflect on this year’s Battle of the Books, congratulations to all the participants. Your dedication to reading and learning is truly inspiring, and we are immensely proud of each competitor.

Thank you to School Board Chair and Campbell River Literacy Association Director Kat Eddy for her invaluable contribution as the master of ceremonies, guiding us through this memorable event with enthusiasm. And thank you to our teacher-librarians who organize this event each year and encourage a love for reading and learning in our students.